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M A. DSJ- TJ ^ I. 



Grand Army of the Republic, 



CONTAINING ITS 



PRINCIPLES AND OBJECTS 



TOGETHER "WITH 



MEMOEIAL DAY 



IN THE 



Department op Michigan, May, 1869, 



3L.IST or" omCEKS, Etc. 



EDITED AND COMPILED BY 

COMRADE I. M. CRAVATH. 






LANSING : 

W. S. GEORGE & CO., STEAM BOOK AND JOB PRINTERS; 

1869. 



" Let laurels, drenched in pure, Parnassian dews, 
Reward his memoiy, dear to every muse, 
Who, with a courage of imshaken root. 
In honor's field advancing his firm foot. 
Plants it upon the line that justice draws, 
And will prevail, or perish in her cause." 



" They never fail who die 
In a great cause ; the block may soak their gore ; 
Their heads may sodden- in the sun, their limbs 
Be strung to city gates and castle waUs ; 
But stiU their spirit walks abroad. Though years 
Elapse, and others share as dark a doom, 
They but augment the deep and sweeping thoughts 
That overpower all others, and conduct 
The world at last to Fbeedom." 



CONTENTS. 



Page. 

Principles and Objects of tlie G. A. R 1 

Extract from Address of Gen. W. H. Baldwin. :.. 5 

Address of Gen. John A. Logan 7 

Resolutions of National Encampment .11 

The Grand Army's Bequest. 13 

Memorial Services, Origin of. 31 

" " AT Adrian... 26 

. • Extracts from Oration of Capt. J. H. Fee... 27 

List of Graves Decorated. 31 

" " ATAlfNAKBOE. 33 

Address of Preset E. O. Haven..... 33 

List of Graves Decorated 36 

'* •* AT Battle Creek 38 

Extracts from Oration of Hon. ChaS. S. May 39 

List of Graves Decorated -- 42 

'* " AT Berrien Springs 44 

Extracts from Address of Capt. H. A. Ford. 44 

List of Graves Decorated 40 

'* •' AtBuchaNan 50 

Address of Rev. J. R. Berry 51 

" *' AT Charlotte 55 

Extract from Address of Ed. W. Barber 55 

" ** AtColdwAter .-.- 63 

Oration of Capt. G. H. Turner 63 

Address of Rev. W. C. Porter,. GS 

Apostrophe, by Dr. J. H. Beach 73 

'' " AT Detroit 74 

Chant, by D. Bethune Duffleld 77 

Dirge, " " ---. 78 

Oration of Pres't E. B. Fairfield 79 

List of Graves Decorated (Appendix) 134 

" •' AT GiRARD 90 



Vm CONTENTS. 

Pagk. 

Memorial Services, at Gband Rapids 91 

Decoration Hymn , by S . Bmnliam 94 

" " AT Hastings 97 

" " AT Hillsdale _ 99 

*' " AT Hudson, and Graves Decorated (Appendix). 133 

" " atLansing -- 101 

Commemoration Day, by Miss H. Smead 101 

List of Graves Decorated 105 

Oration, by Comrade I. M. Cravath 106 

" " atLapeer... 115 

" " . AT Marshall 115 

List of Graves Decorated 116 

" " AT Monroe 118 

" "at Niles — Graves Decorated- 118 

•' " atOlivet -■- 119 

atOvid -■-- 120 

List of Graves Decorated (Appendix) 136 

" " AtPontiac. ■- 120 

List of Graves Decorated - 121 

" "at Schoolcraft - 123 

Extract from Oration of Hon. E. L. Brown- 124 

List of Graves Decorated 125 

*' " atSturgis 126 

" " AT Tecumseh - 126 

List of Graves Decorated 126 

" " AT Three Rivers.. 127 

" " AT Wayne 129 

In Memoriam, by Comrade I. M. Cravatli 131 

Appendix 133 

Officers of National Encampment 137 

Department Roster , 138 

Roster of Posts , 138 



Advertisements.— Comrade Wm. P. Innis, Real Estate, Graiid Rap- 
ids ; Brisbin & Conely, Druggists ; Dan'l W. l^uck, Fm-niture ; Pierce & 
Parmalee, Rattan's Wanning and Ventilating Furnaces ; Baker & In- 
gersoU, Manufacturers; W. S. George & Co., Book and Job Printers; 
E. B. Millar & Co., Grocers; Jones & Porter, Insurance and Real Es- 
tate, Lansing; Comrade Wm. A. Throop, Bookseller and Statiotier, 
Detroit ; Field & Leiter, Dry Goods, Chicago, Ills. 



THE PEIJSrCIPLES AIS'D OBJECTS 



OF THE 



GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. 



The honor of organizing the Grand Army of the Republic 
belongs to the State of Illinois. The first Post was organized 
by Col. B. F. Stephenson at Dakota, Illinois, early in the 
spring of 1866. The Order spread so rapidly that in the July 
following a meeting was called to organize that State into a 
Department, at which convention some forty Posts were repre- 
sented. On the 20th day of November, 1866, a convention met 
in Indianapolis to organize a National Encamiament, at which, 
Delegates were present from Posts organized in Illinois, Mis- 
souri, Kansas, Wisconsin, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Iowa, 
Kentucky, Indiana, and the District of Columbia. Here was 
completed, so far as the outline is concerned, our present Na- 
tional Encampment, and the regulations and ritual adopted. 
General Stephen A. Hurlburt, of Illinois, was chosen Com- 
mander-in-Chief; General James B. McKean, of New York, 
Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief; General Nathan Kimball, of 
Indiana, Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief, and Colonel B. F. 
Stephenson, Adjutant General, with headquarters at Spring- 
field, Illinois. From that date the organization continued to 
grow with unparalleled rapidity, until the entire territory of the 
United States has been organized into Departments, with the 



exception of Alaska, and even in that remote region it is expec- 
ted Posts will soon be established. This astonishing growth, 
which seems the work of magic, is best exhibited by a tabular 
statement giving the names of the several Departments, and 
the dates of their organization, as follows : 

Alabama,— Organized April 9, 1868,— Present Commander, C. Cadle, Jr. 



Arkansas, " 

California, " 

Colorado, " 

Connecticut, " 

Delaware, '■ 

Florida, " 

Georgia, " 

Illinois, " 

Indiana, " 

Iowa, " 

Kansas, < ' 

Kentucky, " 

Louisiana, " 

Uaine, ' ' 

Maryland, " 

Massachusetts, " 

Michigan, " 

Minnesota, " 

Missouri, " 

Montana, " 

Nebraska, " 
N'w Hampshire," 

New Jersey, " 

New Mexico, " 

New York, " 
North Carolina, " 

Ohio, " 

Pennsylvania, " 

Potomac, " 

Rhode Island, «' 
South Carolina, " 

Tennessee, " 

Texas, " 

Vermont, " 

Virginia, " 

West Virginia, " 

Wisconsin, " 



" 18, 1867, 
Feb. 20,1868, 
Oct. 20, 1868, 
April 11, 1867, 
Feb. .1, 1867, 
Feb. 14, 1868, 
July 6, 1868, 
July 12, 1866, 
Nov. 22, 1866, 
Sept. 26, 1866, 
Dec. 7, 1866, 
Jan. — , 1867, 
July 8, 1867, 
Jan. 10, 1868, 
Jan. 8, 1868, 
May 7, 1867, 
May 6, 1868, 
Aug. U, 1867, 
May 16, 1867, 
Feb. 22, 1868, 
July 10, 1887, 
May — , 1868, 
Dec. 29, 1866, 
Feb. 12, 1868, 
April 3, 1867, 
July 11, 1867, 
Jan. 30, 1867, 
Jan. 16, 1867, 
Feb. 11, 1869, 
May 24, 1868, 
Aug. 28, 1868, 
Aug. — , 1868, 
Sept. 22,1868, 
Oct. 23, 1863, 
Feb. 12, 1868, 
Sept. 12, 1868, 
Sept. — , 1866, 



James Coey. 
F. J. Bancroft. 
Theo. G. Ellis. 
A. R Grimshaw. 
Chas. Mundee. 
J. E. Bryant. 
Thos. 0. Osborn. 
R. S. Foster. 
J. Williamson. 
John A. Martin. 
H. K. Milward. 
H. C. War mouth. 
George L. Beal. 

A. W. Denison. 
F. A. Osborn. 
William Humphrey. 
J. W. Sprague. 

R. J, Bombauer. 

J. H. Mills. 

S. A. Strickland. 

D. J. Vaughan. 
William Ward. 
H. H. Heath. 
Daciol E. Sickles. 
J. W. Schenck, Jr. 
J. Warren Keifer. 
0. C. Bosbyshell. 
Sam!. A. Duncan. 
Horatio Rogers. 

C. J. Stobbrand. 
F. W. Sparling. 

E. J. Davis. 
Geo. P. Foster. 
Geo. T. Egbert. 

B. F. Kelly. 
Thos. S. Allen. 



This organization began in the Department of Michigan, 
with the establishment of a Post at Battle Creek, under a char- 
ter issued by Gen. Hurlburt, of Illinois, then Grand Com- 
mander of the G. A. K. 



It is safe to assert that the record of the growth of the 
Grand Army of the Republic presents a history unparalleled 
by that of any other organization. Inasmuch as little is gen- 
erally known regarding the principles and purposes of this 
organization, it being looked upon by some with feelings of 
anxiety or jealousy, and by others with sentiments of distrust 
or hatred, it is proper that we should give a brief statement of 
its principles and objects, so that the tongue of calumny may 
be silenced, and the true character of the order may be exhib- 
ited to the world. These principles are as follows: 

I. — Fraternity. 

This organization is composed exclusively of those who, in 
the army and navy and marine corps of the United States, 
aided in the suppression of the late rebellion. As no nation 
ever before witnessed such a spontaneous uprising of a great 
people in defense of their government as took place when 
rebels sought to sever with the sword the bonds that united 
these States together, so the peaceful disbanding of the vast 
army required to protect the nation's life, and their quiet re- 
turn to the avocations of peace without causing even a ripple 
of disturbance upon the face of society, was also a marvel to 
the world. It was but natural that this body of men, for four 
years associated in the intimate relationship of soldiers in a 
common cause, should desire to perpetuate the remembrance 
of the friendships thus formed, the scenes through which they 
passed together, the hardships and dangers they shared alike, 
and the glory which is their common inheritance. This is the 
first great object of this order. 

II. — Charity. 

To seek the good of others, to deal justly, and to love 
mercy, are traits which rank among the noblest virtues. 

Whatever there may be of truth in the proverb: "Republics 
are ungrateful," it is certain that in times of safety and pros- 
perity men are too apt to forget their obligations to those who, 



in the hour of danger, risked health and limb and even life 
itself in their defense. This being the case, it becomes an im- 
perative necessity that the soldiers themselves should see to it 
that justice is meted out to their comrades in arms — that the 
crippled soldiers, and those who have come out of the service 
with health shattered and broken, should be placed under the 
special care and protection of the government and of society, and 
that the widows and orphans of deceased soldiers should be 
cared for, and their necessities supplied. It is plain that such 
a work can only be done through an organization like ours, 
which makes the cultivation of this field of duty and of 
benevolence, its special object. 

III. — Loyalty. 

The third principle and object of our organization is to -pev- 
petuate the spirit of allegiance to our government; to cherish 
respect for and fidelity to its Constitution and laws; to frown 
upon corruption and dishonesty in the administration of our 
national affairs, and to discourage whatever impairs the perma- 
nency of our free institutions, or excites the spirit of insurrec- 
tion, treason and rebellion among the people of the United 
States of America. The objects of our order are neither secta- 
rian, partisan, nor political; but fraternal, charitable and 
patriotic. They appeal only to sentiments that ennoble friend- 
ship, commend Christianity, and make glorious the love of a 
people for their country. To affect apprehensions of danger 
from such an organization, composed solely of the men to 
whom the nation looked for protection and defense in time of 
danger, is absurd. Such an organization can be looked upon 
with feelings of distrust and ill will only by those who saw 
nothing desirable in the union of these States that it should 
be preserved ; no beauty in the principles of liberty and justice 
on which our government is based; no glory in the success of 
our arms. 



IV. — Eemembkance of the Fallen. 

Had the Grand Army of the Republic no other object, the 
commemoration of the services of our Memoeial Day is one 
worthy to command the sympathy of every true American 
heart, and the cooperation of every true soldier of the Repub- 
lic. It is a sufficient honor that this Order inaugurated this 
National Anniversary, and that to them is entrusted its observ- 
ance. Let us, as our ranks become thinner from year to year, 
close up around the graves of our fallen comrades, till our rear 
guard crosses over to where — 

" On fame's eternal camping ground 

Their silent tents are spread, 
And gloiy guards with ceaseless round 

The bivouac of the dead." 

V. — The Grand Army's Bequest. 

This is a feature not yet adopted, but that something like the 
plan proposed at the recent National Encampment, and which 
is embodied in this work, will, with some essential modifica- 
tions, be engrafted into the organization there is no doubt. It 
will be noticed that one feature of this scheme, as presented, 
contemplates that only those who have become members of the 
Grand Army of the Republic prior to January 1st, 1871, will be 
entitled to avail themselves of its benefits. 

EXTRACT FROM THE WELCOMING ADDRESS OF GEN. W. H. BALDWIN, TO THE NA- 
TIONAL ENCAMPMENT OF THE G. A. R., HELD AT aNClNNATI, OHIO, MAT 12 AND 
13, 1869: 

" Since the close of the war, in which those ties of friendship 
were formed which it is one of the objects of this organization 
to strengthen and perpetuate, you have been engaged in the 
pious duty of relieving the sufferings of your afflicted com- 
rades, and administering to the wants of their destitute families. 
These soldiers, who were disabled in the country's service, 
receive at your hands sustenance, and sympathy, and watchful 
care while they linger with us, and when their sufferings are 
ended, it is from you that they receive a decent burial. The 
aged widow, whose sons fell in battle, in her poverty, and 



friendliness, and desolation, looks to your benevolent Order for 
assistance. The destitute orphans of your comrades, who gave 
their lives to the country, are the special objects of your care. 
The State owes them a debt not to be canceled by thrusting 
them into poor-houses and prisons. It has been largely through 
your exertions in their behalf that in several of the States 
homes have been established for the orphans of deceased 
soldiers, where the children of your dead comrades may be 
cared for and properly educated, that they may grow up worthy 
and respectable citizens. It is proper, it is natural, that 
soldiers should care for their deceased comrades, and for the 
widows and orphans and mothers of those who have lost their 
lives fighting vaHantly side by side with them. But there are 
other reasons than those of benevolence and charity which 
make the acts of your Order matters of solicitude to the far- 
seeing statesman and thoughtful citizen. In a Republic, rely- 
ing upon her citizen soldiery, it is a matter of the highest 
importance that patriotism and heroic deeds should be appre- 
ciated and properly acknowledged; that the memory of the 
dead should be honored, and that the families of those killed 
in battle should be distinguished from the victims of thriftless- 
ness and vice. The nation that honors and rewards her 
defenders; that cherishes the memory of her heroic dead, and 
makes the orphans of those who die for the country the wards 
of the State, will never call in vain for volunteers to suppress 
rebellion, or to repel invasion. The man upon whom no help- 
less one leans for support, can smile in the face of death. For 
him to be brave is small merit — it costs him little; but for the 
father of helpless children, whom he could rear in comfort and 
luxury, but who, by his loss, would be deprived of their only 
support, for him to meet death with composure, requires more 
than Roman fortitude. 

As the heart-rending history of the orphans of soldiers once 
in good circumstances has come to my knowledge, I have 
thought that the prospect of leaving one's little children to such 



a fate, might well make cowards of the bravest. Let us hope 
that our efforts in behalf of the orphans may be crowned with 
success. 

In addition to your care for the living, you have gathered 
the remains of many of your fallen comrades and placed them 
in cemeteries, where their last resting place is protected from 
sacrilegious intrusion. The General Government is doing much 
in the same direction, and at no very distant day it is believed 
that the remains of all those soldiers whose burial places are 
known, wLU be properly cared for. 

You have inaugurated the beautiful custom in the spring- 
time of the year, of performing the sacred rite of decorating 
with flowers the graves of your fallen comrades. This is a 
custom which we trust will live after the present generation of 
soldiers shall have passed away. But it is with sadness that we 
remember the many thousand soldiers who rest in unknown 
graves, or who lie unburied, never having received the rite of 
sepulture. No stone marks their last resting place, and no 
friendly hand will strew flowers over their sacred dust. But 
their virtues are remembered, and their memories cherished by 
their surviving comrades. 

" By fairy hands tlieir knell is rung ; 
By forms unseen their dirge is sung ; 
There Honor comes, a pilgrim gray, 
To bless the turf that wraps their clay ; 
And freedom shall awhile repair, 
To dwell a weeping hermit there." 

/ ADDRESS OF GEN. JOHN A. LOGAN, DELIVERED AT CINCINNATI, OHIO, 
MAY 12, 1869, AT THE OPENING OF THE NATIONAL ENCAMPMENT OP 
THE G. A. R. 

Comrades: — Within the past few years, history has been 
enriched with two events so manly in their inception, and so 
sublime in their results, that they may well be called the 
leading facts of the age, alike creditable to our nation and 
mankind. 

Fird. A vast, well organized army, recruited from a brave 
and hardy population of twelve million souls, making war 



8 

against our government, well supplied with all necessary appli- 
ances, and enjoying the aid and sympathy of powerful allies, 
has been utterly crushed. 

Second. The conquerors of this stupendous power have re- 
tired to civil life, and been absorbed in the great mass that 
embodies our industrial activities, without suffering, without 
disorder to the commonwealth, and without producing a 
plethora of labor. 

Our great war, comrades, with its innumerable scenes and 
incidents, its trials, toils, sufferings and triumphs, has been the 
theme of frequent and elaborate song and story, but the sub- 
lime tranquility that followed the disbandment of our armies 
remains, comparatively, a field untrodden. 

Let us contemplate the position of affairs in the memorable 
month of April, 1865. 

The rebellion was ended. A fugitive traitor President was 
hiding among the pines of Georgia. The vast hordes that 
withstood our blows during four years of belligerent action 
were scattered to the winds. Our armies, embodying more 
than a million men, inured to conflict that usually excites and 
stimulates the worst passions of our natures, having no more 
foes to combat, who could say that they would not repeat the 
history of olden times, and wage war among themselves or upon 
their friends ? 

Under these circumstances, the order was given — "Break up 
these armies." Such soldiers as have homes must return to 
them, and such as have none must seek them among their 
countrymen. 

In classic days, both republican and imperial Rome had been 
shaken to its centre by disbanded soldiery, while in Greece and 
Spain the mountain fastnesses had been filled with desperadoes 
from such bodies, whose subsistence was wrung from passing 
travelers or peaceful haciendas. Even our neighboring Re- 
public of Mexico had furnished examples of the danger to man- 
kind of forcing bodies of soldiers from their avocation to the 
quiet scenes of ordinary life. 



But neither Kome, Greece, Spain, nor Mexico, was ever tried 
by such an ordeal as ours. Their disbanded armies were, in 
comparison with ours, almost as nothing. In fact, there is not 
in human history a case cited, except ours, in which a million 
of soldiers were, in a day, removed from belligerent to peace- 
ful life. Probably there is no government on earth, except 
our own, that would have dared to try the experiment. I am 
confident there is no other in which such trial would be safe. 

But we were disbanded. Departments, corps, divisions, 
brigades, regiments and companies, almost within the hour, 
disappeared like the morning mist. We had appeared upon 
the field at our country's call, as promptly as the clansmen of 
Eoderick Dhu burst into view upon their Alpine hills, and as 
soldiers we passed away almost as readily, at the waving of a 
hand. 

Was there no ambitious leader dissatisfied with the distribu- 
tion of war-like laurels, ready to gather the scattered host, 
seize the power and archives of the nation, and make himself 
a king ? Were there no fastnesses among our mountains in 
which brigands might find concealment, and carry on a war of 
depradation on mankind ? Perhaps there were such rebellious 
spirits, but the soldiers themselves, the mass of the disbanded 
host, were beyond the power of seduction. They loved the 
government for which they bled, the flag under which they 
had marched to victory, and would prefer to die in defense of 
liberty, rather than live in opulence upon its ruins. 

No outbreak, no revolution, no disaster of any magnitude 
has followed the segregation of these million warriors. They 
sought their homes with joyful hearts and tuneful voices. There 
were no tears of mourning over the cast-ofi' trappings and habil- 
iments of strife. The hand grown cunning in the use of arms 
applied itself to the axe, the hammer, the loom, and spade. 
Battle shouts had given place to exultations over victory, and 
these, in turn, were followed by the songs of joy, of love, and 
peace, that sanctify that place of Heaven called home. 

2 



10 

Very much of this subhme result is due, doubtless, to the 
form of government under which we live. Much is attributa- 
ble to the educational influences among which we were reared , 
and much, very much, to the organization known as the " Grand 
Army of the Kepublic." 

This Order originated in a desire for mutual protection, aid, 
and education. We never feared that the toils and sufferings 
of our soldiery would be forgotten, or fail to be appreciated by 
the mass of our countrymen, but we did fear that high officials 
might at times be prompted by their selfishness to disregard or 
neglect us. 

Politically, our object is not to mingle in the strifes of parties, 
but by our strength and numbers to be able to exact from all a 
recognition of our rights with others. 

We desire further by this organization to commemorate the 
gallantry and sufferings of our comrades, give aid to bereaved 
families, cultivate fraternal sympathy among ourselves, find 
employment for the idle, and generally, by our acts and pre- 
cepts, to give the world a practical example of unselfish, manly 
cooperation. 

Thus far our efforts have proved successful. The report of 
the Adjutant General will present fully the history and progress 
of our Order, and more than sustain our highest hopes of the 
future. The burden of many crosses has been lifted from many 
hearts. Famishing souls and bodies have been fed. Manly 
excellence has been developed and cultivated, while pubHc, 
social, and domestic life among our comrades has been purified 
and blessed through our humane endeavors. 

I congratulate you, comrades, that we have now a national 
administration which is not unmindful of the soldier. He is 
fiUing important places of trust and profit. He is welcomed at 
the Presidential Mansion. Along the street a crutch or empty 
sleeve insures respect, and in the public convocation he receives 
attention and applause. 

I congratulate you, also, that our Order flourishes now as it 
never has done before, and that peace, tranquility, and industry 



11 

are comparatively universal among ourselves and throughout 
our national domain. 

Let us foster and cherish this benevolent Order, so useful in 
the past, so beneficent in the present, and giving such promise 
for the future. Let us unite in vigorous efforts to extend and 
perpetuate its power. 

While in the flush and strength of manhood, we may not 
fully grasp and realize the fact that man's true interest lies in 
doing good; but when the golden bowl of life is breaking; when 
our faces become carved in storied hieroglyphics by the stylus 
and pantagraph of age, each act of kindness done, each word 
of kindness spoken, will, by natural compensating law, return 
like the dove of Ararat, to the soul from which it was sent, and 
bearing with it branches of unfading green from the Post 
" beyond the river." 

EESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY THE NATIONAL ENCAMPMENT, G. A. R,,. 

MAY 13, 1869. ( 

Whereas, The organization known as the Grand Army of the 
Republic, is founded upon the glorious and world-wide embrac- 
ing principles of fraternity, charity, and loyalty to our flag 
and country; 

And ivhereas, Its success in the past is the best guarantee of 
its future prosperity; 

And ivhereas, The welfare of our living comrades, and that 
of the orphans and widows of the honored dead, and the 
maintenance of our sacred principles, demand renewed efforts 
in its behalf; therefore, by the National Encampment, through 
the representatives here assembled, be it 

Resolved, That the destiny of the Grand Army of the Re- 
public is not fulfilled, until it shall embrace within its protect- 
ive folds, every one of the million of honorably discharged 
soldiers of the several armies of the service during the late 
war of the rebellion; until the families of those requiring 
assistance are beyond the reach of want, and their children 
properly educated and cared for by the country; and until the 



12 

last faithful veteran soldier has surrendered without dishonor to 
the Great Conqueror of all mankind, and has been released 
from his bonds, and mustered into a grander army above. 

Resolved, That it is through this organization alone that the 
bonds of fraternal feeling can be successfully sustained and 
strengthened, and the electric currents of sympathy and broth- 
erly affection, born of common toil and danger, be evolved 
and hastened in their courses through the thousand hearts 
scattered over the wide expanse of our ever-growing empire. 

Resolvfid, That that charity which speaks through kind 
actions and benevolent deeds, and sacrificing efforts for those 
associated with us, shall ever be one of our cardinal principles, 
and carefully exemplified in our practice. 

Resolved, That we shall cling to the principles and practices 
of loyalty to our flag and country, with the same pertinacity 
and energy with which we sustained it in the field ; and that 
no foe, foreign or domestic, shall ever find us backward in 
rushing to the rescue of the Government we have saved, by 
whatever danger it may be assailed; that our hearts stUl beat 
time to the "music of the Union," and will ever be found 
vibrating in harmony with the pulsations of the national life. 

Resolved, That whatsoever suspicion of political nature may 
have heretofore attached to the Grand Army of the Republic 
as to its being a political organization, that we hereby declare it 
above, and independent of all x^artisan feeling and action, and 
actuated only by a determination to sustain to the fullest 
extent, the principles so clearly defined in the rules and regu- 
lations adopted by the National Encampment, and embracing 
only the patriotic duties enjoined by charity, fraternity, and 
loyalty to flag and country, including a just condemnation of 
that fell spirit of rebellion, which would have destroyed not 
only the country, but rooted liberty itself out of the land. 

Resolved, That in the name of our comrades scattered 
throughcoit this broad land, we desire to express our gratitude 
to the citizens and legislators of those States, which have es- 



13 

tablished homes and schools for the maintenance and educa- 
tion of the orphans of our deceased brethren, and that we 
invoke the blessings of Heaven upon them. And that we 
earnestly urge upon the citizens and legislators of those States 
where no such provision has been made, to take immediate 
steps to fulfill the obligations imposed upon them by the casu- 
alties of the late war, and to redeem their pledges made to 
the brave volunteers, to care for their families during their 
absence, and in case of their death, by establishing homes for 
both orphans and widows, so far as their necessities may 
demand. 

Resolved, That the pledges and recommendations made by 
conventions and legislative bodies to give preference to soldiers 
(other things being equal) for appointment to civil avocations 
and government positions, whereby our disabled comrades 
might serve both the country and themselves at the same time, 
and be enabled to earn an honest and honorable livehhood, are 
daily impressed upon our minds by the fact that their claims 
for labor and positions are, in many portions of our country, 
almost entirely ignored ; and that, in the name of our crippled 
comrades, we respectfully ask the honorable redemption of 
those pledges. 



THE GRAND ARMY'S BEQUEST." 



A Plan of Mutual Life Insuraj^ce for all Members of the Grand 
Army of the Republic. 



BespectfuUy suggested by E. F. M. FaeJitz, Assistant Quartermaster Gen- 
eral, Department of the Potamac, G. A. R. 



Tfie Grand Army's Bequest is to be organized under the laws of the 
United States as a cooperative association, for the benefit of the heu*s of 
the deceased comrades of the Grand Army of the Republic, and ivill be 
chartered by Congress as a national incorporation. 



14 

I. Object. — The object of tlie corporation is to provide and secure a 
certain sum of money, not less than one thousand dollars, to the heirs of 
each deceased member. 

II. Admission to MembersMp. — The conditions of admission to mem- 
bership in the corporation are, that an applicant must be a comrade of 
one of the Posts of the Grand Army of the Republic, of good standing ; 
that he must accompany his application by fifty cents admission fee ; and 
that the application must be filed before the first day of January, 1871. 
Afler this date the number of members cannot be increased imder any 
condition. 

No restrictions whatever are made as to age, condition, habits, state of 
health, or anything else in regard to the qualification of an appUcant. 

III. Forfeiture of Membership. — Non-pajonent of dues for more than 
five consecutive cases, and voluntary surrender or transfer of a certificate 
of membership to another member, will terminate the same ; but there 
are such provisions in the by-laws of the corporation as to protect any 
member, or his heirs, against loss of the benefits in cases of involuntary 
dereliction or excusable neglect. 

No cause or manner of death, nor geographical limitation, shall deprive 
the heirs of a deceased member of the benefits of the corporation. 

IV. Rights and Duties of Members. — Each member has a right of hold- 
ing as many certificates of membership, not exceeding ten, in his own 
name, as the number ol times he pays the admission fee of fifty cents, 
for each time of which he receives a certificate of membership in book 
form. 

Each member has also the right of acquiring certificates of other mem- 
bers in a legal transaction, and with the knowledge of the officers of the 
corporation, or the right of transferring his own in the same manner. 

The duties of members consist in the pajrment of dues, amovmting to 
one cent for each certificate in each case of death of any member of the 
corporation, vmtil such payments are discontinued, as provided in para- 
graph 7, and in a general compliance with the by-laws of the corporation. 

V. Organizatvm. — As working organization of the corporation, the 
present structure of the Grand Army of the Republic is adopted for all 
purposes of correspondence and collection of dues, with perfect equality 
of rights and duties of all members. These members shall, according to 
geographical demands or their own preference, belong to a branch 
association, called, under the present Rules and Regulations of the G. A. 
R., Post, and a number of these Posts, as at present, form what is called 
Department. 

Individual members transact business with their Posts, these with their 
Department, and the Departments with the Central Bureau of the cor- 
poration in all cases but those directly bearing upon the disbursement of 



15 

the benefits iu a case of death, when the heu-s or claimants forward their 
proofs of claim and death, as prescribed in the^by-laws, directly to the 
Central Bureau, and receive the amounts due them directly from the same. 
Such payments are made in all imcontested cases, within sixty days from 
the date of the notification of the death of a member. 

VI. Financial Administration. — The financial administration of all 
collective funds of the corporation is vested in the Central Bureau, con- 
sisting of— 

1. A Board of Trustees, annually to be elected in the regular meeting 
of the National Encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic. 

2. A corps of paid employes, to be appointed by the Board of Trus- 
tees, from among such as are recommended by the National Encamp- 
ment. The rights and duties of the Trustees, as well as the employes 
of the Central Bureau, shall be defined in the by-laws of this corporation. 

VII. Resources. — The resources of this corporation shall consist in all 
funds accruing from the payments of admission fees, dues of members, 
and of the interest from the investments of the same. The payment of 
dues is discontinued after the first half of the total number of members 
have died, because, by this time, the reserve ftmd of the corporation has 
accumulated more than sufliciently to pay the claims of the heirs of all the 
then surviving members, and the further payment of dues would be an 
unnecessary and grievous tax on the survivors. 

VIII. Disposal of the Resources. — The sums accruing from these resources 
shall be disposed of in the following manner : 

1. The amount accruing from the admission fees shall be used under 
the direction and orders of the Board of Trustees, to defray the necessary 
expenses of the Central Bureau during the first year. Any surplus over 
and above these exi^enses shall be invested in the manner as specified in 
paragraph 10. 

3. The amounts accruing from dues shall be divided as follows : 

(a.) As many cents as half the number of members at the beginning of 
this organization, or, in other words, half as many dollars as there are 
hundreds of members on the first day of January, 1871, shall be paid 
without deduction, to the heirs of each deceased member. 

(5.) The entire balance of the amounts of dues accruing in each case 
of death shall be invested in U. S. bonds, and form a reserve fund for 
the payment of the claims of the heirs of such members as survive the 
first half of the total number of membership. 

The interest accruing from all investments for the reserve fund, shall be 
disposed of in the foUowiug manner : 

{a.) The expenditures of the Central Bureau, as well as all necessary 
expenses of printing, advertising official statements, stamps, and other 
incidentals, shall be paid upon the order of the Board of Trustees. 



16 

(6.) A part of the remaining sums of interest, after the payment of the 
specified expenditures, may be, upon the recommendation of the National 
Encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic, but only with the 
approval of the Board of Trustees, appropriated for the purchase and 
permanent improvement of real estate, which may be rented for the uses 
and purposes of the G. A. R., but sufficient guarantees must be given to 
the Board of Trustees that such investments would not yield less income 
than the amount thus invested would yield interest when invested in 
United States bonds ; aud that no loss, either in value or revenue, would 
arise from such investment to the assets of this corporation. Also, the 
part so appropriated shall never exceed one-half of the remaining interest. 

(c.) All sums not provided for in the foregoing stipulations shall be 
invested in the manner prescribed in paragraph 10 for the investment of 
the Reserve Fund, and shaU form part of the same. 

IX. Provisions for Expenditures. — The expenditures of the Central 
Bureau, as well as the incidentals specified above, and others, shall be 
regulated and superintended by the Board of Trustees, with as much 
economy as the dignity and prosperity of the corporation will demand. 
As already stated, they shall be defrayed for the first year out of the 
funds accruing from the admission fees, and for the following years out of 
the interest emanating fi-om the investments of the Reserve Fund. Extra- 
ordinary expenses, as p. e. legal advice and others, must be provided for 
by the Board of Trustees, from the resources of the Reserve Fund of the 
current year in which they occur. 

X. Investment of the Reserve Fund. — All moneys accruing from any 
source whatever, for the Reserve Fund, shall be, by the direction of the 
Board of Trustees, invested in United States bonds, or, under very safe 
and favorable circumstances, in real estate. 

Speculations of whatever description with funds of this corporation 
are, without exception, strictly prohibited. 

Receipts of interest in gold are to be utilized at the market value, 
within forty-eight hours after the first meeting of the Board of Trustees 
subsequent to the date of receipt. 

XI. Dissolution of the Corporation. — As the number of members, after 
the 1st day of January, 1871, cannot be increased, no new members can 
be admitted, and by the law of nature must grow steadily smaller, and 
finally expire, therefore the following provisions are made for the final 
dissolution of the corporation and the disposal of its estate : 

"Whenever the number of members grows less than 50,000 (fifty thous- 
and,) the Board of Trustees shall officially notify the President of the 
United States of such fact, and respectfully request him to appoint, with 
the approval of the United States Senate, a committee of 3 (three) gentle- 
men, the salary of each of whom shall be $5,000 (five thousand dollars) 



17 

per annum, payable out of the revenues of this corporation. The mem- 
bers of this committee, wlio, if possible, ought to be members of this 
corporation* shall meet and enter upon their duties upon the first Monday 
of July following their qualification, in the city where the Central Bureau 
of this corporation is located, to receive from the Board of Trustees an 
exact official statement of all the assets of this corporation over and above 
the amount necessary to satisfy the claims of the heirs of the still sur- 
viving members. This statement is to be repeated on the first Monday 
of each following month, when the committee will meet, imtil the num- 
ber of members is less than one thousand, (1,000,) when the Board of 
Tnastees shall surrender their trust into the hands of said committee on 
the first Monday of July subsequently. 

This committee then enters into all the rights and duties of the Board 
of Trustees until the last member of the corporation has died, when they 
shall discontinue the Central Bureau and turn over all the funds and 
assets of the extinct corporation into the hands of the United States 
Treasm-er, who shall at once, in the presence of the committee and the 
Secretary of the Treasury, cancel and destroy all United States bonds 
and coupons then in possession of the estate of the extinct corporation, 
and shall cause all property belonging to the said estate to be sold by 
pubHc auction, and the proceeds thereof, as well as all other funds belong- 
ing to the estate, be used to pay, as far as they reach, any portion of the 
national debt which may be unpaid at that time, and if such portion 
should not exist — that is to say, if the entire national debt should be 
redeemed — the entire estate to be divided into two equal parts. The first 
one of these parts shall be devoted and expended for the erection of a 
monument in the city of Washington, to the memory of the defenders of 
the nation in the late rebellion, and the other half shall be dedicated to 
educational purposes, under the direction of the United States Congress. 

TmS IS THE GRAND ARMY'S BEQUEST. 

XII. lUustration of the Working. — From the foregoing provisions it 
will be manifest that the Central Bureau of the corporation corresponds 
with what insurance men call the "Head Ofiice," — the National En- 
campment of the G. A. R. with " meetings of stockholders by proxy ;" 
the Departments with " agencies," and the Posts with " sub-agencies," 
with the difference that the mechanism is much more simple and econom- 
ical, as there are no salaried officers, except in the Central Bureau, and 
no advertisements and other expenses for solicitations or other services 
rendered. 

On the first day> of March, 1869, the official returns of the G. A. R. 
showed thirty-seven Departments, with an aggregate of 240,000 members, 
which number, however, has already, and will be before January 1, 1871 , 

3 



18 

much increased by accession of new members, as well as by the taking 
out of more than one certificate of membership by individual members. 
Taking, however, the basis of only 200,000 members for calculation, we 
find that the admission fee for this number will amount to $100,000, — a 
sum certainly more than sufficient for the establishing and working of the 
Central Biireau for the first year. 

The dues in the first case of death will amount to $3,000, of which, 
after payment of $1,000 to the heirs, the other $1,000 are invested for the 
Reserve Fund. 

As the Grand Army consists only of comrades who have served during 
the late war, it is evident that nearly all of them are of an age between 
twenty-five and sixty years, and although in some cases invalids and 
cripples, the large majority of them are what insm-ance men would call 
" good risks."* 

Taking, then, from the average mortality tables, the very highest figure 
of 13.5 deaths m 1,000 per annum, f the first year of the corporation's 
operations, i-cent dues only, would call for 2,500 deaths, and would 
account for a receipt of dues of $2,500,000, less an outfall of $32,250, 
which is taken in considei'ation in the subsequent calculation. One mil- 
lion two hundred and fifty thousand dollars would be paid to the heirs, 
and the balance would go into the Reserve Fimd. 

We now assume forty years as the time necessaiy or probable for the 
mortality of 100,000 members, and find that not even counting the con- 
siderable amounts accruing from immediate investment of payment during 
fractions of the year, the Reserve Fund will amount to at least $193,453,- 
457. Allowing now the large amount of $45,000 per annum for expendi- 
tures, and calculating it with compound interest for forty years, which 
amounts to $6,964,288 47, — add to this the amount accruing from the 
fall-out in dues, $50,005,000, we have $56,969,288 47, and reserve for the 
heirs of the survivors $100,000,000, and deduct this total of $156,969,- 
288 47, and we find still a surplus of $36,483,169 53 in the Reserve Fund ; 
but this amount will be much higher in reality, as we have, for the safety 
of the calculations, made great allowances. 

Such a result speaks for itself; not only that the heirs of all the mem- 
bers would be provided for as handsomely as the deceased member had 
desired, but the corporation, after its termination, would leave to the 
nation the respectable amount of not less than fifty millions of dollars. 

* This view is strongly corroborated by the lato statistics of the veterans of the first 
French Empire, (vide April, 1869,) showing, fifty-four years after the close of the Napo- 
leonic wars, forty thousand survivors. 

t A very reasonable assumption; but even if incorrect, would not change the results of the 
calculation, as the resources increase with the mortality greatly, while it only very little 
increases the individual tax. 



19 

XIII. Advantages. — These glorious results of the scheme being shown, 
there need be little said as to its advantages. The corporation, if the 
Trustees do their duty, cannot but be in the most prosperous condition 
during its existence, and losses are an impossibility under proper man- 
agement. 

The individual members have the comfort for a very small payment, 
which otherwise hardly could be utilized, to secure to their dear ones a 
handsome provision after their death. 

For one cent on each death, or an average annual pajrment of $35, 
they secure at least $1,000 to their heirs. For two cents, or $50 per year, 
$3,000. For five cents, or $135 per annum, $5,000. 

There is no insurance company in the world which could equal or even 
approach such results. 

In every case, even the very last of death, the heirs receive at least as 
much as has ever been paid in, and in not less than 100,000 cases they 
receive much more than the accumulated payments would amount to. 

AU conditions are equally just and lucrative to the poor as to the 
wealthy. 

No invalid or sufferer is excluded for his misfortune. 

No act of a member, except the wiUful discontinuance of membership, 
can deprive his heirs of the benefits of this corporation. 

And last, but not least, after all have been provided for, the members 
leave a munificent token of love to the nation , which they have loved so 
well during life. 

BEMAEKS. 

The above plan was presented, as will be seen, at the Na- 
tional Encampment, May 13, 1869, and a committee appointed 
to thoroughly investigate the practicability of the scheme, in 
accordance with the following resolution adopted by the 
Encampment: 

Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed by the 
Chair, to examine into the practicability of connecting a 
scheme of cooperative life insurance, with the Grand Army of 
the KepubUc. This committee shall be empowered to corres- 
pond with acknowledged authorities upon the subject of life 
insurance, and it shall be their duty to take all steps advisable 
to elucidate the merits and demerits of any submitted or pro- 
posed plan. It shall also be their duty to report, at least four 
months before the next meeting of the National Encampment, 



20 

the final results of their labors, to the Commander-in-Chief of 
the G. A. K., who will communicate the same to the Depart- 
ments, that they may thoroughly discuss the subject, and be 
prepared to instruct their delegates in the next National 
Encampment, what action to take in the premises. 

The Commander-in-Chief announced the following as said 
committee : Comrades E. F. M. Faehtz, of the Department of 
the Potomac; G. F. Potter, of the Department of New York; 
O. C. Bosbyshell, of the Department of Pennsylvania; James 
Shaw, Jr., of the Department of Khode Island, and James W. 
Denny, of the Department of Massachusetts. 

The investigation of the matter was thus placed in good and 
competent hands, and there is no doubt that any plan ulti- 
mately adopted will be one that will be safely guarded, 
economical in its operation, profitable as may be to the mem- 
bers, and the benefits of which will be mainly, if not exclu- 
sively, bestowed on the soldiers of the G. A. R., and their 
surviving widows. 



21 



MEMORIAL SERVICES, 



HELD IN THE 



DEPARTMENT OF MICHIGAN, 



MAT, 1869. 



While the beautiful, touching and appropriate custom of 
adorning the graves of departed friends with wreaths and flow- 
ers has existed among men, time immemorial, the honor of 
establishing a Decoration Day, as an annual National Commem- 
oration of the services, sacrifices, sufferings and death of the 
fallen soldiers of our country, belongs to the Grand Army of 
the Republic, and was instituted in compliance with the fol- 
lowing General Order: 

Headquarters Grand Army of the Eeptjblic, ) 

Adjutant General's Office, 446 Fourteenth Street, y 
Washington, D. C, May 5, 1868. ) 

General Orders ] 
No. 11. i" 

I. The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing 
with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of Comrades who died 
in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies 
now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet church-yard in the land. 
In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but Posts and 
Comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testi- 
monials of respect as circumstances may pcraiit. 



22 

We are organized, Comrades, as our Regulations tell us, for the pur- 
pose, among other things, " of preserving and strengthening those kind 
and fi-atemal feelings which have bound together the soldiers, sailors, 
and marines who united to suppress the late rebellion." What can aid 
more to assure this result than by cherishing tenderly the memory of our 
heroic dead, who made their breasts a barricade between our country 
and its foes? Their soldier lives were the reveille of freedom to a race 
in chains and their deaths the tattoo of rebellious tyi-anny m arms. We 
should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated 
wealth and taste of the nation can add to their adornment and security, 
is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders. Let no 
wanton foot tread rudely on such hallowed grounds. Let pleasant paths 
invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mom'ners. Let 
no vandalism of avarice or neglect ; no ravages of time testify to the 
present or to the coming generations, that we have forgotten as a people 
the cost of a free and undivided Republic. 

If other eyes grow dull, and other hands slack, and other hearts cold 
in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth 
of life remain to us. 

Let us, then, at the time appointed gather around their sacred remains 
and garland the passionless moimds above them, with the choicest flow- 
ers of spring-time ; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved 
from dishonor ; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid 
and assist those whom they have left among us a sacred charge upon a 
nation's gratitude, — the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan. 

II. It is the purpose of the Commander-in-Chief to inaugurate this 
observance with the hope that it will be kept up from year to year, while 
a survivor of the war remains to honor the memory of his departed Com- 
rades. He earnestly desires the public press to call attention to this 
Order, and lend its friendly aid in bringing it to the notice of Comrades 
in all parts of the country, in time for simultaneous compliance therewith. 

III. Department Commanders will use every eff'ort to make this Order 
efi'ective. 

By order of— 

JOHN A. LOGAN, 

Commander-in-Chief. 
N. P. CHIPMAN, 

Adjutant General. 
Official : 
Wm. S. Collins, A. A. G. 



23 

The success which attended its observance in 1868, the 
beauty and effectiveness of the caremony, and the high esteem 
and tender regard which already attaches to the Thirtieth 
Day of May, as a day of remembrance of the nation's dead, 
has fixed it forever in the hearts of the American people as a 
National Anniversary, taking rank with the anniversary of our 
country's independence. 

The memorial services which occurred this year throughout 
the United States, were held in obedience to the following 
General Order: 

Headquarters Grand Army of the Republic, ) 

Adjutant OeneraVs Office, 4II F Street, [- 
Washington, D. C. , April 13, 1869. ) 

General Orders ) 
No. 21. \ 

I. The 30th day of May proximo — a day set apart hy the Grand Army 
of the Republic to commemorate the glorious deeds of our departed com- 
rades — will be observed throughout the United States in such manner as 
befits the solemnities of the occasion, and as will testify the undying love of 
a grateful people for the memory of those who died that the nation 
might live. 

This is the second public observance of the occasion, which is trusted 
will recur yearly while there remains a heart loyal to the cause in which 
our comrades fell, and while the moving principle of that struggle is 
worth preserving. If our organization had no other object, that alone 
of keeping green the resting-places of our nation's defendei-s, by this 
annual commemoration, would be motive enough to hold us together in 
a fraternal band. 

The Commander-in-Chief desires to thank those patriotic men and 
women who gave their aid and sympathy on a former occasion to make 
successful this National Memorial day, and they are cordially invited to 
unite with the comrades of the Grand Army in the approaching ceremo- 
nies; and he thapks the loyal Press eveiy where, through whose gener- 
ous aid a lasting record has been made of the observances one year ago. 
To the Congress of the United States, the comrades arc specially indebted 
for authorizing the publication, in book form, of the proceedings of last 
I May, and for the promise held out that each year a compilation will be 
made and published, as a national recognition of spmpathy Avith these 
memorial observances. 



24 

II. It lias been determined not to prescribe any form of ceremony for 
universal observance, but each Post, or any number of Posts, may arrange 
together such fitting services as circumstances will permit. Department 
Commanders will use every effort to perfect arrangements for the occasion. 
The newspaper Press are requested to give publication to this order. 

III. Department and Post Commanders are specially enjoined to pre- 
serve and forward to these Headquarters a copy of the proceedings (in 
printed form so far as possible) which take place in carrying out this 
order. 

IV. As the 30th day of May occurs on Sabbath, Posts are at liberty to 

observe either that day, or Saturday, the 29th. 

By order of— 

JOHN A. LOGAN, 

Commander-ill- Chief. 
N. P. CHIPMAN, 

Adjutant General. 
Official : 
Wm. T. Collins, A. A. O. 



In accordance with the above, the following General Order 
was issued by the Department of Michigan: 

Headquarters Department of Michigan, ) 

Grrand Army of the Republic, [- 

Lansing, Mich., April 29, 1869. ) 

General Orders \ 
No. 3. \ 

I. The attention of Commanders of Posts of the Grand Army of the 
Republic, within the Department of Michigan, is called to General 
Orders No. 11 and 21 — current series, — from General Headquarters. 

II. Though the day designated on which to commemorate the deeds 
and revive the memories of our fallen comrades, occurs on Sabbath, thus 
leaving it optional with the Posts to obsei-ve that or some other day, yet 
it is recommended by the Grand Commander of this Department, that 
the 30th day of May — the day set apart by the Grand Army of the 
Republic for that purpose — be observed by the Posts within the Depart- 
ment, in such manner as to each shall seem befitting the day consecrated 
to the memory of comrades who gave their lives that the nation might 



25 

live, the Union be preserved, our free institutions transmitted unimpaired, 
and liberty secured to the citizens of our loved Republic. 

III. No fonn of ceremony for the day is prescribed. It is, however, 
recommended to the Posts within this Department — 

1. That they request the clergymen within then- respective limits to 
deliver a discourse during the day, (morning or evening,) adapted to the 
occasion ; 

3. That the ceremonies and services at the cemeteries be of a character 
unexceptional to the Sabbath ; 

3. That at the cemeteries ceremonies take place throughout the State, 
at 3 o'clock P. M. of the day designated. 

IV. Grateful for the aid extended, and the sympathy manifested by the 
patriotic people of the State on the tirst observance of its Memorial, 
Day, the Commander of the Department cordially invites aU such to 
again join with the Grand Army of the Republic, in its annual visit to 
and decoration of the resting places of its departed comrades, and to 
jiarticipate in the ceremonies commemorating their glorious deeds. 

V. Clergymen, in communities where a Post of the Grand Army of 
the Republic has not yet been organized, are requested to deliver a dis- 
com'se dm-ingthe Memorial Day adapted to the occasion, and the citi- 
zens of such localities are cordially invited, and respectMly urged to 
arrange together for such services and ceremonies on that day as to them 
shall seem a fitting expression of then* sympathy with these observances 
and of their appreciation of the patriotic services of those whose deeds 
we commemorate. 

VI. It is trusted that Post Commanders will give early attention to 
perfecting arrangements for the occasion, and that they wall, as soon as 
such arrangements are perfected, forward to these Headquarters, a copy 
thereof, and also, at as early a day as practicable, a copy of all the pro 
ceedings connected with the execution of this order. 

VII. The papers of the State will confer a favor by publishing this 
order. 

By order of— 

WM. HUMPPIREY, 
0-rand Commander, Department of Michigan. 
H. n. Dxi^ii^i,?-, Ass't Adft Gen'l. 



26 

The following is a summary of the Memorial Services held 
in the Department of Michigan, so far as information concern- 
ing them coTild be obtained by the compiler of this work : 

ADRIAN. 

The day appointed by Post Woodbury, for the observance of 
the Memorial Services, was Sunday, May 30th, but owing to 
the inclemency of the weather, they were postponed tUl Monday, 
May 3l8t. 

The " Assembly " was sounded at 3| p. m., in front of the 
Post Headquarters, and simultaneously with its sounding, the 
places of business were generally closed, as if by common con- 
sent. The streets began to fill with people, and as if to 
encourage a general turn-out, the sun shone out with more 
clearness than it had vouchsafed for some days. Shortly after 
4 p. M., the procession was formed under the direction of Capt. 
Kogers, Commandant of Post Woodbury, G. A. R, assisted by 
his Adjutant, Major Simpson, and Messrs. Baker, Bowen 
and Westerman, as aids. The following was the order of 
procession : 

BAND, 

Mayor and Common Council of the City, 

Clergy of tlie City, 

Orator, Chaplain, and Department Commander, 

CHOIR, 

Girls, Dressed in White, in Carriages, 
Wagon, loaded with Flowers, 

Knights Templars, 

Post Woodbury, G. A. R., 

Gennan Workingmen's Benevolent Association, 

Masonic Fraternity, 

Odd Fellows, 

Citizens. 

The procession moved to the excellent music of the band up 
Broad street to Butler, east along Butler to Clinton, up Clinton 
to Hunt, along Hunt to Locust, and up Locust to the Ceme- 
tery. Arrived at the Cemetery, the procession moved through 



27 

to the square, where the exercises opened by singing a hymn 
9y the choir, consisting of Messrs. Bliss and Eice, Miss Mattie 
Graves and Mrs. J. H. Cole. 

Prayer by Post Chaplain Hadley followed, which was suc- 
ceeded by singing by the choir. 

EXTRACTS FEOM THE ORATION, BY CAPT. J. H. FEE. 

Comrades of the Grand Army of the Republic, and friends: — 
Again we have assembled in these grounds, consecrated to the 
dead, to pay tribute to the memory of those who laid down 
their lives during the peril of the Nation, and of those who, 
after coming back to home and loved ones, have passed from 
our midst. We have not come here through mere curiosity to 
see what may be done, but each one, I trust, actuated by a 
deep, grateful love for the memory of, not only the dead heroes 
whose remains have Been gathered in these beautiful grounds, 
but of the thousands of others who fell in the conflict, and 
a desire to give some tangible evidence of that love and 
gratitude. 

These ceremonies which we have met to observe, in themselves 
beautiful and touchingly impressive, are most to be prized for 
the influence they exert upon the hearts and purposes of those 
who may take part in them. By our presence here we say that 
the cause in which these dead heroes died is one dear to us, 
and that while we thus strew the early flowers of spring-time 
over their resting places, we will keep green in our memories 
the noble work they did, and consecrate ourselves anew to the 
maintenance of the principles for the perpetuity of which they 
gave their lives. If there were no higher motive to influence 
us, gratitude to those who fell while fighting to assure the 
supremacy of that flag so beloved by the friends of liberty the 
world over, ought to be strong enough to make us regard their 
resting places as sacred, to be rehgiously guarded against all 
desecration. 

All that we can do, or say, cannot affect our dead comrades. 
Their lives have been glorified. History will embalm their 



28 

deeds, and the people of the future will point, with pride, to 
what these heroes did, while the words of others will ha^ ^* 
been forgotten as not worthy of record. But so long as the 
people of the United States shall prize, as they should, the 
value of the services of our patriot dead, certainly so long as 
there shall be a member of the Grand Army left, thus long 
will tribute be paid to the memory of those whose lives made 
up the price paid for the salvation of all that is worth preserv- 
ing in our form of Government. 

* H-- ^ * * * * * * * 

But it is not to the dead alone that we owe gratitude. 

'I * ^r -x- To those who, crippled, pine, 
Let us give hope of happier days. 
Let homes for all those sad wrecks of war 
Through all the land with speed arise ; 
They cry from every gaping scar, 
*' Let not one brother's tomb debar 
The wounded living from your eyes ! '" 

These " sad wrecks of war " meet us in every avenue of so- 
ciety. Empty sleeves, and crutches, are painfully common 
sights. These cripples are left among us, as it were, to test 
the sincerity of our patriotic professions. To pay homage to 
the dead, requires little or no sacrifice; but to do justice to the 
living, imphes the liberal expenditure of the means that, in 
Providence, have been placed at our disposal. Words are 
well, so far as they go, but if they are not backed up by gen- 
erous deeds they do but little credit to him who utters them. 
It is fitting on this occasion, when we have come together to 
express our feeling for the dead, that we should look into our 
own lives and see whether we are doing what we ought to do 
for the living. There is no class of men who better deserve 
our regard and care than these cripples, who came out of the 
flame of battle, maimed for life. They fought, not for them- 
selves alone, but for you and for me, and because they thus 
fought, you and I owe them a debt, not only of gratitude, but 
of a more tangible form ; a debt which, in its honest payment, 
will give them food to eat, clothes to wear, and for those who 
have not home and friends, a home to Uve in. Not all the 



29 

maimed need this care and provision for their wants, but there 
is many a poor, crippled soldier who has no friend to whom he 
can go, save the people whom he so fairly served; and if that 
people heeds not his appeals, he must be indeed forsaken. 
There are institutions now springing up whose sole purpose 
is to seek out and gather in these " battle wrecks." There arc 
at least three such now in successful operation, and if they be 
not sufficient to meet the demands made upon them, I have 
faith to believe that yet more ample provision will be made. 

There are yet two other classes to whom the loyal people of 
the Nation owe a duty that they cannot, will not, be so un- 
grateful as to neglect. These are the widows and orphans of 
those who laid down their lives on the altar of their country. 
In many and many an instance, the families of dead soldiers 
were left in want. They could secure only the commonest ne- 
cessities of life by the hardest toU and closest economy when 
all were in health; but when sickness came, God alone knows 
the silent and uncomplaining suffering from cold and hunger 
that has been endured by these bereaved ones. Because they 
made no sign of their distress, those outside have thought- 
lessly paid no heed to them, or, if they were forced to see the 
misery, they had no mode of relief to suggest other than the 
"Poor House;" and because a soldier's widow has refused 
to allow her children to be gathered in with common paupers, 
she has been called proud. Well, she has cause to be proud; 
for as the widow of a brave man who fell fighting for liberty, 
she is better entitled to the praise and esteem of men worthy 
of freedom than the proudest queen. 

It is a duty we owe to the dead to see that those who de- 
pended upon them receive all needful support, and when we 
stop short of this, we fail of discharging the most sacred obli- 
gations that can be put upon us. In many of the States pro- 
visions are being made for the education of the children of 
dead soldiers. In several, this movement has been so far pros- 
ecuted that the schools have been estabhshed and the children 



30 

gathered together. To the Grand Army of the Republic be- 
longs the credit of initiating this measure, but to the credit of 
the people be it said, that the work of these representatives of 
our Grand Armies has been warmly seconded by the Legisla- 
tures, in granting generous appropriations. The duty we owe 
to the children of our dead soldiers is imperative. These child- 
ren are fast growing up, and what we do must be done quickly. 
In a few years they will be beyond our reach. The immediate 
question to be settled is, shall they grow up in ignorance, among 
the degrading influences that surround them in our streets, or 
shall they have, what they have a perfect right to demand, a 
good education ? Michigan has done nothing in this direction 
yet, but the time is not far ofl' when she will have the oppor- 
tunity to place herself right in this matter. The comrades of 
these sleeping heroes have determined that justice shall be 
done these little ones. They will initiate the work, and the 
State will be appealed to for assistance, and I shall be much 
mistaken if the appropriation to carry out this worthy object 
be not one of the most popular that our representatives can 
vote. 

Among an ancient people it was the custom immediately 
after a victorious battle to rear a trophy, which was but a heap 
made up by casting together the arms and spoils captured from 
the enemy. These trophies were regarded as sacred, and no 
one dared to tear them down; and when through time they 
decayed and crumbled, no one was permitted to rebuild them^ 
Plutarch, in speaking of this, ascribes a praiseworthy motive 
to the people observing the custom, for, says he, " to reinstate, 
and set up again the monuments of ancient differences with 
enemies, which time has conveniently demolished, has some- 
thing odious in it, and seems to argue a desire to perpetuate 
enmity." The trophies that we set up on our victorious battle 
fields are fast crumbling, but many good men are questioning 
whether we ought not to rebuild them. To rebuild is to 
perpetuate enmity, which, as Plutarch says, "has something 



31 

odious in it." Eather let oiir trophies crumble down into 
forgetfulness if thus our people may be brought into unity and 
harmony. This implies no sacrifice of principle or worthy 
purpose, but simply the exercise of a broad charity which, 
while it carries buckler and shield for defense of the Na- 
tion, has a warm hand for those who yield willing obedience 
to the laws of the land. 

"When enmity shall have given way to friendship, when trust 
shall have taken the place of distrust, when we shall become 
indeed one people, then will our Nation make such advance- 
ment as the most sanguine has not dreamed of. When we 
shall enter upon the fruition of the work so nobly begun by 
the men for whom the spring has to-day given up its earliest 
buds and flowers, let us not forget that what we enjoy, are 
blessings won by them and passed into our keeping as a sacred 
legacy, which it is our duty to preserve and keep intact so long 
as we have the capacity to appreciate, or a memory to cherish 
their sacrifices. 

During his address the speaker presented the subject of 
erecting a monument to the departed soldiers, stating that the 
national government had donated to the city a splendid shaft 
of white marble, for that purpose. A subscription was raised 
sufficient to build a pedestal, carve the names, and set up and 
complete the monument. 

At the close of the oration a hymn was sung, and this was 
succeeded by the ceremony of decorating the graves. The 
following is a list of the soldiers whose graves were decorated, 
with their rank and command, so far as we could ascertain 
them: 

Major Chas. Hoyt, 15th iufautiy. 

James Stebbins, 17th infantrj'. 

Ada Bradish, 2d infantry. 

Daniel G. Washburn, Co. E, 1st Mo. 

Robert Miller, 8th infantry. 

Serg't Alfred M. Smith, 18th infantiy. 

Col. D. A. Woodbury, 4th infantry. 



32 

Capt. F. Lacld, 9tli cavaby. 

Col. L. L. Comstock, 17th infantry. 

Col. W. Huntington Smith, SOthinfantiy. 

Thos. Klme, 18th infantry, Co. C. 

Capt. Alonzo M, Rogers, Co. A, 1st Ga. infantiy U. S. A. 

Serg't H. E. McLouth, Co. F, 4th Mich, cavalry. 

Orrui B. McLouth, Co. F, 4th Mich, cavalry. 

E. D. Thompson, Co. C, 18th infantry. 

Orrin M. Smith. 

R. J. Clegg, Co. G, 4th infantry. 

Alexander Oughletree, Co. B, 18th infantry. 

Jehiel Lossing. 

Col. L. S. Elliott, 49th Ohio infantry. 

Fred. Hall. 

Lieut. W. L. Osborn, 9th cavahy. 

J. E. Seamons, Co. F, 4th Mich cavalry. 

D. G. E. Peck. 

Edward Kingsley, 1st infantry. 

Melan W. Coats, 12th infantry. 

James W. Sherman, 2Gth infantry. 

Julian Morey, 1st infantry. 

Chas. Loomis. 

Every thing connected with the ceremonies passed off in the 
most pleasant and satisfactory manner. The procession pre- 
sented a fine appearance, fully the equal of any ever seen in 
the city, the streets along the line of march were lined with peo- 
ple, and an immense crowd, variously estimated at from three 
to five thousand, was collected inside the grounds of the ceme- 
tery. There were flowers in profusion, and the comrades of 
Post Woodbury can congratulate themselves that everything 
passed off so satisfactorily, and that the people at large paid so 
high a tribute of respect to the memory of their dead comrades. 



33 

ANN ARBOR. 

Saturday, May 29tli, 1869, was observed as a Memorial Day 
by the citizens of Ann Arbor, and the business houses were 
generally closed. It was a day befitting the occasion. It did 
not rain, but the face of the sun was hid from view by a vail 
of clouds, and the whole heavens seemed clad in garments of 
sympathetic sorrow. 

The opening exercises were held in the court-house square, 
commencing at 9 o'clock a. m. First, Vocal Music — " My Coun- 
try,'' — which the audience joined in singing. Second, Prayer — 
by the Eev. Mr. Gillespie. This was an eloquent, appropriate, 
and patriotic invocation for our common country, and a devout 
expression of gratitude and thankfulness for the salvation of 
free institutions and a good government. Third, an 

ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT E. O. HAVEN, 

of Michigan University, who spoke, in substance, as follows: 

We are assembled, not to re-open the wounds of our late 
contest, though I wonder not at the tears in many an eye 
started by the pathetic song just sung so eloquently, nor can 
we fail to feel that this is a solemn occasion. We are partici- 
pating in what may claim to be almost a national celebration. 
From Maine to Oregon, from Michigan to Florida — yes, even 
in the South, flowers will be strewn over the graves of the 
heroes who gave up their lives for their country. In olden 
times this custom prevailed — it prevails still in Europe; but 
there were never so many people participating at once in this 
ceremony as to-day. We would not revive the agony of the 
past struggle, but we cannot, we will not forget the heroes that 
died for us. 

There comes a time in the life of every person when the 
buoyancy of childhood is exchanged for the stability and earn- 
estness of manhood. It may be some tremendous misfortune, 
the treachery of a friend, or the advent of some responsibility, 



34 

that revolutionizes and improves our life. So is it with na- 
tions. Every nation, to improve its metal, must be tried as by 
fire. Now, America was a gay and thoughtless child a few 
years ago, compared with her present sobriety and steady, 
noble character. 

The old Revolutionary war was fearful, but it had been al- 
most forgotten. The war of 1812 was a mere fight at sea; the 
Mexican affair was an adventure participated in by a few; but 
our late struggle was an .awful contest for existence. There 
were times when the best and strongest feared that death 
would be the issue; but the Arbiter of Nations, the God of 
battles, did not so decide. He has declared, America shall 
live. 

I shall not discuss the contest. I shall utter no words of 
censure. It was first a war of ideas and words, and finally a 
war of physical strength and military science. Now let us 
have peace. Now, as God has decided that as this great world- 
nation is one in geography and one in language, (though 
speaking many,) it shall be one in government, and have one 
flag, let us repel and discourage differences, and seek to be 
truly one. Every part of the nation contributed to the result. 
From our own city many enlisted, and many lost their lives in 
the contest. Their names, though not yet chiseled in marble 
or wrought in brass, shall never perish. They shall yet be in- 
scribed on memorials as imperishable as anything human. 
They are written in the memories of grateful friends. 

These flowers are beautiful. They are representatives of the 
divine wisdom and love. They are created only to please. 
They are perishable, but they perpetually return. So our 
emotions are fleeting, but the fountain of emotion and thought 
is imperishable. Let these flowers, then, be placed over the 
mortal remains of our heroes. And while we pay to them our 
highest tribute of respect and love, let us not forget the many 
who sleep far away from us in unknown graves. Perhaps 
some stranger hands to-day will ornament their graves. If 



35 

not, the angels know where they are. God has not forgotten 
them. We will not forget them. 

Fallen heroes, are you with us to-day ? Then all hail ! Full 
well ye know your labors were not in vain, and you have your 
reward. Your country lives because you died for it, and you 
have earned immortal honor. Your memory is a benediction. 
Exult, then, in your immortality, while we in our earthly life 
take the best emblems of Heaven we have, the blossoms of 
God's beauty, and spread them over the spots where your 
bodies repose — faint emblems of our undying love. You have 
not died in vain. Your country is saved; other countries shall 
imitate it, and the world shall yet be a family of Eepublics ! 

At the close of the address there was singing by the quar- 
tette, and the benediction was pronounced by Rev. Mi\ Gillespie. 

After the exercises in the square, the procession was formed 
in the following order: 

1st. Officers of the day. 

3cl. Mayor and Officers of the City Government. 

3d. Band witli Muffled Drams. 

4th. National Colors Draped. 

5th. Porter Zouaves with Arms Reversed. 

6th. Soldiers with Bouquets. 

7th. Masons and Odd Fellows. 

8th. Fire Department Officers. 

9th. Celtic Literary Society. 

10th. Citizens on foot and in Carriages. 

The Porter Zouaves made a fine appearance, under the com- 
mand of Captain Porter. They have the air and bearing of 
men who have seen actual service, smelt gun-powder, and heard 
bullets whistle. The Band also in the morning gave some 
excellent music. 

In the above order the procession moved to Forest Hill Cem- 
etery, where, upon its arrival, the ceremony of strewing the 
graves with flowers was commenced. The following is the list 
of deceased soldiers, whose graves were decorated: 



36 



FOREST HILL CEMETERY. 



Capt. Edward H. Gilbert, 
Lieut. Amos M. Ladd, 
Lieut. Nelson Imus, 
John S. Famell, 
Henry C. Ide, 
Capt. L. E. Holdeu, 
Harry G. "Weed, 
Edward L. Grover, 
Francis M. Clark, 
Clarkson Pack, 

Reed, 

William C. Loomis, 
George D. H. Cowles, 
Wilbur F. Bartlit, 



Lieut. William A. Brown, 
Jesse Hyde, 
Jonas D. Richardson, 
Col. NorvalE. Welch, 
Capt. Horace V. Knight, 
Lieut. Aaron C. Jewett, 
Charles L. Mills, 
Capt. Wendell D. Wiltsie, 
Henry Mowerson, 
Augustus Helber, 
Chaplain J. Blan chard, 
John R. Wilcoxson, 
Charles Gartner. 



OLD CEMETERY. 

James Felch, Henrj^ Bierman. 

LOWER TOWN CEMETERY. 

Lieut. George Williams, Maj. John M. Randolph. 

John Smith, 

ST. THOMAS' CEMETERY. 



William Champion, 
William H, Stephens, 
Cornelius Sheehan, 



John Hogan, 
Duflfee Duquette. 



The following are names of those whose bodies lie on battle 
fields, in unknown graves, or are buried in Southern cemeteries. 
The list is incomplete, but is made as full as possible: 



Capt. R. G. Depue, 
Maj. Henry S. Burnett, 
Sergt. Maj. F. Kingsley, 
George W. Huson, 
Sergt. Jared Pond, 
Sergt. Geo. B. Felch, 
Capt. R. P. Carpenter, 
Geo. Traker, 
Sergt. D. E. Ainsworth, 
Capt. Walter McColhmi. 



Frederick Corselius, 
Corp. Abram Romig, 
Jacob Neithamer, 
Clark C. Briggs, 
Myron J. Gillespie, 
John Garrison, 
William P. Lovejoy, 
John Weekly, 
Capt. Oliver Blood, Jr. 
Frank Fisher, 



37 

Geo. Vandei-warker, Byron Cook, 

Capt. Henry C. Arnold, Sergt. Edward P. Clark, 

WiUiara Nichols, Fred. Wildt, 

Geo. Gaunt, John McCarty, 

Sergt. David C. Holmes, Geo. C. Mead, 

Lieut. W. "W. Burch, Lawrence Norton, 

Andrew Britton, Patrick McCourt, 

Orson L. Giles, John Shannon, 

Geo. "W. Barber, Henry Spoor. 

Michael Keau, 

An eye-witness furnishes the following touching incidents of 
the scene: 

It was a beautiful sight to see the old comrades who had 
stood with them shoulder to shoulder in the storm of leaden 
and iron hail, amid the shouts of victory, and the groans of 
the wounded and dying, strewing the graves of these Dead 
Heroes with beautiful flowers — the tokens of God's love, and 
the evidences of His wisdom — in memory of their worth and 
the service they rendered their country. 

We noticed that the relations and perhaps more immediate 
friends lingered around these graves after the procession had 
moved on; and we lingered too. By these mourners we saw 
the most touching tributes offered over the graves of our fallen 
dead — the lamented, the loved, and the lost ! These lingering 
mourners strewed over the graves of their loved ones, rose- 
buds, evergreens, myrtle, and ail the bright and beautiful gems 
of Flora's magnificent bower, bright, fresh, beautiful, fragrant, 
and unfading — the flowers of memory, all bedewed with the 
tears of affection. Shall I say it? Most of these moui-ners 
were women. God bless them. They are, after all, " the cream, 
the sparkle, the elixir," of this life. We saw a little group 
gathered, as we supposed, over the mortal remains of some 
noble soul, but as we drew near, we found that it was a spot 
sacred to the memory of " Frank Kingsley, 1st Sergeant, Com- 
pany H, 20th Michigan Infantry, and acting Sergeant Major, 
killed in the battle of Spotsylvania Court House, May 12, 18G4," 



38 

whose body was never found. But the hands of affection — 
whether those of father, brother, sister, or lover, or all com- 
bined, we know not — had anticipated the procession in decora- 
ting this spot. In a neat little case with a glass front, we saw 
the following beautiful little tribute to his memory, entwined, 
as was fitting, with a beautiful wreath of flowers and evergreens : 

" Since treason sought oui' country's heart, 

Ah ! Fau-er body never yet 
From noble soul was torn apart , 

No braver blood has wet 

Her Coronet. 

No spirit more intense and fierce, 
Strove where her stany banner waves. 

No gentler face beloved, than thine. 
Sleeps in a Soldier's grave ; 

No heart more brave. 

And though his mound I may not trace, 

Or weep above his buried head, 
The grateful Spring shall find the place, 

And with her blossoms spread 

His quiet bed." 



BATTLE CREEK. 

Decoration Services were observed at Battle Creek, on 
Sunday, May 30, 1869. 

In the forenoon, the Kev. Mr. Wishard, at the Congregational 
and Presbyterian church, preached an able sermon suitable to 
the day, from the text, Acts xxii, 28 : " With a great sum 
obtained I this freedom." The discourse set forth the cost of 
our national liberties, with some very practical hints in regard 
to the best method of preserving them. 

Notwithstanding the storm which prevailed on that day, 
quite a large number of citizens assembled at the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, at 2 o'clock p. m., and proceeded thence to 



39 

the Cemetery for the purpose of decorating with flowere, the 
graves of our deceased soldiers, and witnessing the exercises 
which were to be observed in commemoration of the brave 
men buried there, who had given their lives in the service of 
their country. 

Upon arriving at the stand, Dr. S. S. French, Surgeon of the 
20th Mich. Infantry, who presided, and read the names of 
those whose remains had been deposited in the Cemetery, 
called the assembly to order. An appropriate prayer was 
offered by Chaplain L. W. Earl. We give a few 

EXTRACTS FROM THE OEATION OF HON. CHAS. S. MAY. 

On this last Christian Sabbath of the Spring, the nation, by 
the hands of their comrades in life, lays its floral offering on 
the graves of its dead. No day is too sacred for such a beau- 
tiful and imx3ressive service — a service most fit and appropri- 
ate also, for these flowers are emblems of resurrection and 
immortaHty. 

It is a service which answers to a universal sentiment felt in 
all lands and times. National gratitude for national and pat- 
riotic labors and sacrifices, has found expression in the highest 
forms of human speech and the noblest creations of human 
art. Poetry and eloquence have combined to do honor to 
those who died for liberty and country. When the Athenians 
would honor the dead who fell in disastrous battle for the 
Republic, at Cheronea, they chose Demosthenes, the Prince of 
orators, to pronounce the oration over their sacred ashes, and 
that majestic eulogy still kindles the emulation of orators and 
fires the heart of patriotism. 

A poet of our mother land (Collins), at a comparatively 
recent day, has embalmed this sentiment in immortal verse: 



40 

" How sleep the brave who sink to rest 
By all their country's wishes blest ? 
When Spring, with dewy fingers cold, 
Returns to deck their hallowed mold. 
She there shall dress a sweeter sod 
Than Fancy's feet have ever trod : 

" There Freedom comes, a pilgrim gray, 
To bless the tmf that wraps the clay ; 
And honor shall awhile repair, 
To dwell, a weeping hermit, there." 

We owe this tribute to the dead. We cannot forget their 
great service to us and the nation. That service was under- 
taken in full view of all its perils and dangers, but these 
young men did not stop to count the cost. Fired by an ardent 
and noble patriotism, they went forth to battle and to death, 
and have won the crown of martyrdom. 

While sharing the common sentiment, and paying the com- 
mon honor to the great host who fell, our immediate tribute 
to-day is to the dead of this city and its vicinity. Their names, 
and their honorable titles won in the war have just been read in 
your hearing. Many of these men I knew; some were among 
my most valued personal friends. I would not be invidious in 
such a presence, but I recall among these latter, the names of 
Khines, of Byington, of Mason, of Barnes and Knight, and 
Galpin — many others equally worthy, you knew and honored. 

How shall I speak of the great and memorable results and 
fruits of the sacrifice which these men made for their country? 
A Union restored, a land redeemed and regenerated, liberty 
perpetuated — these are some of them. And not among the 
least of the results of the war is that great and immortal ex- 
ample of patriotism which is left for the glory of our country 
and the emulation of all our posterity. I sometimes think 
that this is the richest fruit of the struggle, and that it out- 
weighs in solid value the more material results which we seem 
first to appreciate. For is it not such riches that give to nations 
their highest glory and strength ? 

Greater, and more to be valued, is this sialendid example of 
patriotism than even our re-cemented bands of Union, than 



41 

the strength of our army on the land, and our navy on the 
sea, than all our commerce, or all our vast material resources 
and wealth. It was patriotism that nerved the arms of these 
our heroes; love of oduntrv, — that same lofty sentiment that 
inspired Leonidas and the three hundred, when they made that 
immortal sacrifice in the pass of Thermopylae — that lent wings 
of fire to the eloquence of Demosthenes, matchless and unri- 
valed still in all the ages, that, centuries later, gave courage to 
the Swiss patriot Winkelreid, when he cried, " Make way for 
Liberty!'' and gathered the Austrian spears in his bosom; — 
that has inspired and cheered a noble army of heroes and 
martyrs who, in many lands and in all ages, on field and 
scaffold, have laid down their lives that their country might 
live! 

We owe this service to ourselves. We should be unworthy 
of the political liberty purchased by these sacrifices, and the 
glorious land enriched by such blood, if we did not cherish in 
our heart of hearts the memory of these brave men. We are 
exalted when we exalt and honor public virtue and devotion 
like this. Nations are lifted up by services and sentiments of 
gratitude and honor for their benefactors. 

In these dead are planted the noble germs of future patriots 
and martyrs who will defend this country as they so signally 
and successfully defended it, if ever occasion should come again. 

I cannot put in the poor forms of speech the feelings of these 
fathers who stand to-day with us over the graves of their sons. 
But this I can say to them : Fathers, you should be proud and 
thankful that God gave you such sons. Death will soon come 
to us all. A few more years of toil and care and vicissitude, 
and all this throng of the living standing here above these 
graves of the dead, shall mingle their dust with those who 
have gone before. And is it not a consolation to these friends; 
is it not a real felicity to the departed, that for a few years of 
common life these heroic young men were able to write their 

6 



42 

names on the immortal roll, and share the enduring fame of 
the defenders of country, and the martyrs of liberty ? 

In the midst of peace and prosperity; at the opening dawn 
of a new career for our country, we strew these flowers upon 
the graves of our heroes. Let it be a service that shall never 
be forgotten, as the unfolding years of the new- time roll on; 
let it hereafter be one of the sacred days of the Republic. 
This is now a land of liberty and law. Following swiftly after 
our victories in war, which restored the Union and consolidated 
our nationality, are our recent great victories of peace. The 
Atlantic and the Pacific are now joined together, and the 
great oceans themselves are no longer barriers to our progress. 
And above these great material triumphs the Genius of our 
new civilization points with majestic wand to the still more glo- 
rious prospects and achievements of the future, when on this 
noble continent — the most splendid theatre of action God ever 
gave to nation or people — a hundred millions of free and 
enlightened Americans shall work out the dream of the fathers 
of the Republic, and illustrate the noblest conception of national 
power and civilization. 

Sleep on, noble dead; the nation shall not forget you. It is 
your sacrifices and blood that make possible the realization of 
hopes so magnificent. 

" In the still camps of death 
The comrades of your toils and tramps lie, 

And marble sentries guard, with noiseless breath, 
Their green encampments of eternity." 

The following is a list of comrades buried in the Cemetery 
of Batte Creek: 

Gen. W. H. Revere entered the service in April, 1861, as a Lieuten- 
ant in the New York Fire Zouaves ; served during the rebellion and died 
in command of the post at Morehead City, North Carolina, September 
20th, 1865. 

Maj. C. Byington entered the service in April, 1861, as CaptaLn of 
Company C, 2d Michigan Infantry, and died in December, 1863, in con- 
sequence of wounds received at the siege of Knoxville, Tennessee. 

Col. Geo. C. Barnes, entered the service in August, 1863, as Captain of 



43 

Company C, 20tli Michigan Infantry, and was killed in front of Petera- 
burgh, Va., June 18tli, 1864. 

Captain George C. Knights entered the service in August, 1862, as 
Lieutenant in the 1st Michigan Sharpshooters, was killed in front of 
Petersburg, June 17th, 1864. 

Lieut. Charles Bro-mi entered the service in August, 1862, as Lieuten- 
ant of Companj' C, 20th Mich. Infantiy, and died of disease contracted 
in the field early in 1863. 

Lieut. Timothy Fish entered the seiTice in April, 1861, as a Corporal 
in Company C, 2d Michigan Infantiy ; served four years, and died of 
wounds received at Petersburg, April 2d, 1865. 

Lieut. Albert Barney entered the service in August, 1862, as a Private 
in Company C, 20th Michigan Infantrj^, and died from woimds received at 
or near Coal Harbor, Va., June 1st, 1864. 

Lieut. Geo. B. Hicks entered the service hi August, 1863, as a Sergeant 
of Company C, 20th Michigan Infantry, and was killed in fi-ont of Petere- 
burg, June 18th, 1864. 

Miles K. Shemian entered the service in August, 1861, as a Private in 
Company H, Merrill's Horse, and died fi'om wounds received in battle 
near Memphis, Missomi, July 18th, 1862. 

Ebenezer Jones entered the service as a Private in Company I, Merrill's 
Horse, in August, 1861, and was killed in battle near Memphis, Missouri, 
July 18th, 1862. 

James M. Shaver, record not known to the committee. 

Franklin Davis entered the semce early in the rebellion, and diedfi'om 
disease contracted in the service. The particulars of his record are not 
known to the committee. 

John McCamlj' entered the service as a private in Company H, Mer, 
rill's Horse, and died of disease contracted in the line of his duty, at 
Nashville, Tenn., in 1865. 

Peter Stevens, a Private in the 54th Massachnsetts regiment. . Mortally 
womided at the assault on Fort Wagner. 

Thomas Fuller entered the service in Februaiy, 1865, and died near 
Harrier's Ferrj', in May, 1865. 

Palmer Pugsley entered the sei-vice in AprU, 1861, as a Private in Com- 
pany C, 2d Michigan Infantiy, and died in Virginia early in 1862. 

Edwin and Edward Dumphrey, twin brothers, one killed in battle and 
the other died from Avounds received in battle. The particulars of their 
enlistment and subsequent record not known to the committee. 

Foster D. Miller entered the seryice in March, 1865, and died of disease 
contracted in the line of duty, near Lexington, Missouri, June 6th, 1865. 

James A. Baraum, entered the service in August, 1862, as a Private in 



u 

Company C, 20tli Michigan Infantry, and died in hospital, of disease 
contracted in the line of duty, at Cincinnati, Ohio, June, 1863. 

Four buried on Soldiers' Lot. Names and record unknown to the 
committee. 

The following are among those who went from this place, and to-day 
fill unknown graves on the field where they fell : 

Col. James B. Mason, entered the service in 1861, and fell in battle 
near Salt Springs, Va., October, 1864. 

Maj. John Piper, entered the service in 1861, and fell at Spottsylvania, 
Va.,May 12th, 1864. 

. Col. L. C. Rhines, fell in front of Petersburg, June 17th, 1864. Finally 
buried at Jackson, Michigan. 

Lieut. F. Davis, killed at Marion, Virginia. 

Lieut. Charles Galpin, entered the service in 1861, fell at the siege of 
Knoxville, November, 1863. 



BERRIEN SPRINGS. 

EXTRACTS FROM THE ADDRESS OF OAPT. H. A. FORD. 

Friends of the Soldier-dead: 

It is a beautiful custom of the Irish people, in their native 
isle, to turn from the ways of business or of pleasure, and join 
for a time, however brief, the passing funeral procession. 
Whether he whom the mourning follow be friend or stranger, 
rich or poor, high or lowly born, it matters not; the tribute of 
respect is thought due and is paid to the sacred ashes of the 
dead. With something of this spirit do we gather here to-day. 
We have left the wonted duties and blessed repose of these 
hallowed hours. We have moved again to the slow, sad music 
of the funeral march. We have come to populate with tearful 
life this habitation of the lifeless, the home appointed for all 
living; to crown with wreaths, and chaplets, and garlands, 
these tombs by the hillside, where sweetly rest the feet that will 
tread no more the flowery meads of earth; to speak the 
•words of praise above lips that are silent and ears that are 
dulled forever to the sounds of time. 



45 

We do honor this day to no common dust. In the throng of 
sleepers here are some whose memory we shall not willingly let 
die. They are the warrior-dead. They are the martyrs of a 
noble cause; the offerings of a nation's love and devotion to a 
grand principle; the dear sacrifices laid upon the altar of Lib- 
erty and country, — the slain of the great rebellion. Here, in 
the ranks of death, has been mustered your quota of the 
watchful guards of the rights of man and the unity of the 
nation, who died at their posts, with their armor on. In this 
tranquil solitude, after their toils, their vigils, their dangers, 
and their conflicts, they restfully slumber. " Till the heavens 
be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their 
sleep." 

Now and here, as perhaps never before, we may realize the 
truth of the classic line — made more classic for us by Warren 
than by Horace, — 

" Sweet and fitting it is for one's couutiy to die." 

Our eyes range over a tract thickly underlaid with the remains 
of mortality. Death is the common lot. None escape. " It is 
appointed unto men once to die." But indeed — 

" By few is Glory's wreath attained ; 

Though death or soon or late awaiteth all ; 
To fight in Freedom's cause is something gained, 

And nothing lost — to fall. ' ' 

In the life of these, our heroes gone, there was especial 
merit; in their death, especial grandeur; in their memory there 
is claim for especial honor. Eight years ago this day they were 
with you and of you — strong, stalwart, full of ruddy life, 
already enjoying or standing upon the threshold of vigorous, 
hopeful, useful, manhood. To them, as to you, life was sweet, 
and home was dear. Just as pleasant to them were the sights 
and sounds and vocations of peace. These smihng fields, that 
fair and rich plateau, these circling woods, yon picturesque river 
vale, these billowy hUls, — all spread away as beautiful to them 
as to us to-day. Just as blue were the heavens that bent above 



46 

them; just as soft the late spring-days. Bat the call of country 
came, and they heard. The tools of husbandry and trade were 
dropped. The dearest ties of earth were sundered. Their 
most precious interests, in part, were sacrificed. Taking their 
lives in their hands, they went forth to do battle for God, for 
man, for fatherland. They went in a spirit not unlike that 
which animated the chivalrous Lasalle and his brave compan- 
ions, the missionaries of Jesus, as they sailed with their strange 
company up yonder stream two hundred years ago, to advance 
the banner of civilization and plant the standard of the cross 
in these trackless wilds. With a valor and devotion to the 
safety of the State like that of Curtius in the old Roman story, 
they threw themselves, full-armed, into the chasm that threat- 
ened to engulf the Republic. They went to engage in no 
gigantic riot, no monstrous prize-fight, no strife of factions, no 
civil war in the old sense of " two opposing forces in the State 
contending in an irregular and violent way for the mastery, 
neither seeking to destroy the nation, but each, on the con- 
trary, protesting their superior devotion to the preservation of 
the national life;" but they went to quell a rebellion against 
the principle of free government, to engage in a struggle for 
the nation's life, to put down a long-dominant oligarchy that 
was anti-national to the core. They went to suffer and to die 
that the nation might live. " Greater love hath no man than 
this, that he lay down his life for his friend." 

Need I further follow the story of these unreturning brave ? 
Alas ! it is but too fresh in your memory. Their toils, their pri- 
vations, their sufferings, their death — are not these written as 
with a pen of iron upon your very heart of hearts forever? 
Let this record suffice — they did their duty, and here, " after 
life's fitful fever, they sleep well." 

A contest arduous and fierce as that through which they 
passed was likely to cost us the bravest and best. Never more 
true was the thought of Sophocles, 

" War takes the noblest ever." 

He who kept his feet most faithfully on the dragging march; 



47 

who performed most punctually his details, however laborious, 
in the camp and field; who most freely exposed himself on 
picket and in the severer lines of duty, was most open to the 
encroachments of disease, and most liable to fall an early victim 
to his fidelity. He who was prominent " on the perilous edge 
of battle, where it raged," was the readiest mark for the riiie s 
deadly aim. He who was boldest in the dangerous but impor- 
tant duty of the scout, the spy, the forager, was the likeliest to 
be made a captive, and to be ruthlessly shot down, or borne 
away to the scaffold, or, little better, to those awful prison-pens 
from which so few returned. Truly you may reckon the slum- 
bering warriors here as of your bravest and your best, and 
worthiest of your honor. There were among you better men, 
perchance, in their daily lives. I know not how that may be. 
This I feel, that their faithful service and noble death have 
atoned for many an error, if such they made. Their self-sacri- 
ficing patriotism, like charity, has mantled a multitude of sins 
— at least in our memories, if not in the view of the Eternal 
Judge. " Death," says Bacon, " openeth the good fame, and 
extinguisheth envy." We shall recall, if we may not fully 
adopt, the generous sentiment of the old historian: "It is a 
debt of justice to pay superior honors to men who have devo- 
ted their lives in fighting for their country, though inferior to 
others in every virtue but that of valor; for, by their bravery, 
they obliterated the evil of their former lives, and the blessings 
which they conferred on the State were greater than the injuries 
which they had inflicted on private individuals." 

" The whole earth," said Pericles, over the dead of the first 
Peloponnesian war, referring, doubtless, to the universality of 
their fame, "The whole earth is the sepulchre of illustrious 
men." To which another has added : " All time is the millen- 
nium of their glory." From the dawn of history, the homage 
of gratitude and admiration has been paid to the noble dead 
who have laid down their lives, that their fellow-men might be 
the safer and the happier. Wherever the better feeliogs of our 
nature have had sway, there high honors have been paid to the 



48 

warrior-dead. The monument of Absalom still stands in the 
valley of the Kedron; the green mound of Patroclus yet adorns 
the margin of the Trojan plain; the tomb of Themistocles has 
looked out for two thousand years upon the placid waters of 
the Grecian seas; the traveler may now see the long barrow 
which a saved and grateful people erected over the fallen he- 
roes at Marathon; while, in later ages, statues and tombs, 
monuments, mausoleums, and memorial temples have been 
made to dot the civilized world in memory of the patriot-slain. 

*** * * *** 

Comrades of the Grand Army : — It has been our fortune to live 
and bear part in the second of the heroic periods of American 
history. For us, too, have been hunger and privation, heart- 
sickness and home-sickness; the weary march, the camp and 
bivouac, the front of battle, the headlong charge, the desperate 
defense, the prison and the hospital — the "austere glory of 
suffering " as did they who fought in the first war for the inde- 
pendence of the republic. As we stand in this peaceful spot, 
on this holy day, in the garb of the citizen, we recall the Sab- 
baths of toil and blood. "We are again in the dust of the 
marching columns, in the rifle-pits, the trenches, on the skir- 
mish line, at the cannon's mouth, on the terrible raid. We 
behold again the fated land as the garden of Eden before us, 
and behind a desolate wilderness. We hear once more the 
shriek of deadly missiles, the groan of the dying, the gay voices 
of the camp, the thrilling notes that sound reveille or tattoo, 
the advance or charge. We see the brilliant lines of the 
parade or drill, and the ranks that form in battle's magnifi- 
cently-stern array. We feel again the flush of the bivouac-fire 
upon our cheeks, and see its light reflected from the manly 
faces that surround it. We know, as others cannot, for what, 
and how, these our fallen brothers sufiered, fought, and fell. 
The teachings of their lives are fully ours. By the beating 
and the burning of our hearts, we feel their spirits with us to- 
day. Above their sacred dust let us breathe an oath like that 



49 

of Demosthenes: "By those who met the peril at Marathon! — 
by those who formed the battle-line at Platsea ! — by those who 
conquered in the sea-fight at Salamis ! — by the men of Arte- 
misium ! — by the others, so many and so brave, who now rest 
in our public sepulchres ! " or, better, an oath like Lincoln's, 
" registered in heaven," that so far as in us lies, the integrity 
of the Union and the rights of man shall fobever be main- 
tained. When the call of country comes again, we shall be 
ready. If the clouds that begin to lower above our land and 
the perfidious isle beyond the sea,' should break in storm upon 
our heads, they shall find us at our posts of duty. "With our 
comrades celebrating like obsequies yesterday, this day, and 
to-morrow, across the continent, we shall take care that the 
Eepublic receives no detriment. "Blessed be the Lord our 
strength, which teacheth our hands to war and our fingers to 
fight ! " 

Heaven grant, though, that war may not come again to this 
fair land. Earth has no loathlier sight than a battle-field. 
"Next to defeat," said Wellington, "the saddest thing is a vic- 
tory." But let us take the truth to heart anew, my comrades, 
that while man lives and the earth endures, the heroic age of 
moral conflict is never past. Upon us still press the foes of 
man, of country, and of God. To us are yet committed great 
trusts, high duties, motive for noble deeds. Be vigilant, be 
brave, be true ! 

"On! let all the soul within you 
For the truth's sake go abroad; 

Strike ! let every nerve and sinew 
Tell for ages— tell for God! " 

List of soldiers buried at Berrien Springs: 

Wm. Dennison, Private Co. C, 25th Michigan Infantry. 

Fancher. 

Martin Gubby, Private Cth Michigan 'Artillery. 

Homir. 

Joel Kerr, Corporal Co. H, 26th Michigan Infantry. 
H. J. Mastin. 



50 



J. B. Odell, Private Co. I, 13tli Michigan Infantry. 

Thomas Streets, " " 

John Tenant, Capt. Co. K, 

Seri Trimm, Private Co. C, 25th 

Joseph Vetter, Private Co. K, 12th 

Miles Woods, " Co. H, 9th 



BUCHANAN. 

The decoration of the soldiers' graves in Oak Ridge Ceme- 
tery, and the "Old Village Burying Ground," of Buchanan, 
took place on Sunday, May 30th, 1869. The ceremonies were 
solemn and imposing; the only unpleasant feature of the oc- 
casion being the stormy condition of the weather. However, 
the soldier boys, being used to all kinds of weather, heeded 
not the pelting rain, and sallied forth from their armory at two 
o'clock p. M., in uniform, accompanied by the B. C. Band, and 
proceeded to the Oak Grove Cemetery. From this time on to 
the close, the ceremonies were of the most impressive and sol- 
emn nature. The music by the band, (a mournful dirge), 
seemed to prepare all for the work before them, and, as it were, 
solemnized every heart, as they proceeded on their noble er- 
rand of true soldierly patriotism. The scene, upon arriving at 
the grave-yard, was one, also, that need long remain in the 
memories of those present, at least, those interested. 

Upon arriving at the cemetery, a hollow square was formed 
by the soldiers, and the services opened with prayer by Eld. J. 
E. Berry, and reading of the Scriptures by the Chaplain of the 
Post. Post Commander B. E. Binns addressed the comrades 
in a brief and appropriate manner. 



51 

ADDRESS OF EEV. J. R. BERET. 

Officers and Soldiers of the Grand Army of the Republic : 

In memory of the dead, and in behalf of friends, and in the 
name of our once blood-stained, and distorted, but now, happy 
and peaceful country, I greet you at the graves of your fallen 
comrades. 

Your mission to this place, at this hour, is one of deep sig- 
nificance. The past, the present, and the future history of our 
country, aU combine to add interest to the occasion, and it is 
in every w&y characteristic of a humane and Christian people. 

In demonstration of respect for the dead, the American peo- 
ple are preeminent. Confessedly, there is no nation of the 
earth that pay more attention to, or hold in greater regard 
their dead, than the American people. Great care is taken in 
the selection and location of our cemeteries, and every effort 
made to make them places of beauty and attraction. Costly 
tombstones and marble monuments mark the resting places of 
the dead; and in many instances, memoirs, obituaries, and 
sometimes whole volumes are written concerning the life and 
death of the departed. This is well — it is right — it is but 
characteristic of our social, intellectual, and religious culture. 

Your visit to-day to the graves of fallen soldiers of the 
Grand Army of the Republic, is one peculiar to itself — it has 
no parallel in history. Memory, faithful to her trust, re-pro- 
duces the terrible and unnatural war through which we have 
passed. A thousand thoughts press themselves upon us, and 
come welling up for utterance. As we stand here to-day, we 
think of the long family quarrel, and bitter strife of words, 
that preceded the firing of the first shot upon that almost de- 
fenseless fort, the echo of which summoned a million of men 
to arms, and sent State dashing on State in fierce collision, 
drenched the land in fraternal blood, and unsettled the civil- 
ized world. The flag of our country was insulted — fire flashed 
in every eye, and blood flowed quick in every vein. This was 
followed by the shrill notes of the bugle-call, to arms ! mingled 



52 

with groans, and heart-throbs, and farewells at home; hunger, 
cold, and long, weary marches over unbeaten roads, through 
poison swamps, and all the hardships and dangers incident to 
army life, that make up the peculiar, unwritten history of the 
war, that must forever remain unwritten. The cause, as well 
as the effect of this great national drama, is, to my mind, most 
beautifully described in a poem written by George Lansing 
Taylor, and I cannot forbear quoting a stanza or two: 

" Crash, fell the thunder-bolts ! The glare 
Of lightnings burned the sulphurous air ! 
Not idle bolts of mythic Jove, 
But God's own answer from above. 
I woke — hill, valley, prairie, flood, 
One sea of blood ! One sea of blood ! 
It stained the land, the sea, the sky ; 
O, God ot peace ! O, God of war ! 
I knew what for ! I knew what for ! 

One dead in eveiy house ! O, land, 
Planted and dressed by God's own hand ! 
O, sons of heroes, snatched to heaven 
In lightning-chariots, angel-driven ! 
O, statesmen, clad in trust divine. 
Read ! read ! O, read the awful sign ! 
The Slave ! Aye, brother of ovir blood, 
Offspring, heir, image once of God ! 
Soul, flesh like His who died to save — 
It is the Slave ! It is the Slave ! " 

Perhaps it may be attributed to our weakness, more than 
anything else, that in the enjoyment of any great and costly 
blessing, we so often lose sight of what the blessing cost — the 
price that was paid for it. I know the principle is true with 
us, in regard to the greatest gift God ever made to man — I 
mean the gift of his Son. We live in the enjoyment of this 
great gift from day to day, but seldom pause to count the cost ! 
Count the cost ! did I say. Aye, who is able to do this ? "Who 
among all the sons of earth, or angels in heaven, is able to tell 
what is implied in the sublime truth, that He who expired on 
the cross, in the person of the Son of God, was our brother; 
that the blood shed there was fraternal blood. As members of 
a sinful family, we do well to follow the example of the Mary's 
in the gospel, and often prepare spices, and ointments, and as 



53 

often go in. faith to the grave of our Lord. It will do us good; 
it will help us to remember the price of our blessings. With 
all reverence I would make the appHcation. God has given us 
a great country. The sun shines on no greater. It is great in 
its resources, it is great in its dimensions, and it has a great 
history. A history written in blood. "We have been preserved, 
by the goodness and power of the Almighty, whose hand- 
writing may be seen on every page of our history. For — 

" Soon as the nation's heart was broke, 
God stayed at once the avenging stroke, 
And smote for us, with his rod. 
For man is man when God is God." 

I beheve, if we may judge of the future by the past, that we 
have a great destiny — a great future. The war-cloud has lifted, 
and the future smiles. Now, if we would be true to ourselves, 
true to humanity and true to God, we must not forget the price 
we paid, and the mercy of God, in preserving for us an undivi- 
ded country, with its civil, political, and religious liberties. I 
fear there is danger in this direction. If we shall become intox- 
icated with our national glory, and the great achievements in 
science that we are making, and forget God, humanity, God 
may yet disown us, and our sun which now shines so brightly, 
may set in an endless night. As a preventive of this, I regard 
a proper observance of the pleasing, and at the same time, 
painful duty and task you have assembled to perform. The grave 
is a fit place for meditation. To-day we may think of the 
past, and contemplate the future. The occasion suggests sad- 
ness and mourning — 'a grief not unmingled with hope and joy, 
based upon a full belief that your comrades sufiered and died 
to preserve and perpetuate/ree(Zo?n, civilization, and Ohristianity. 
All honor, then, to the noble sons and fathers whose lives were 
freely given as the price of our liberties. Here come, friends 
and soldiers,' and weave your chaplets of flowers, and bring 
your evergreen sprigs, and strew the beauties of nature upon 
the graves of your fallen comrades. You can well afford to do 
this; they fought to win a crown, that you live to wear. The 



54 

flowers you bring are a fit emblem, not of war, strife and blood- 
shed, but of the peace and union they fought to secure. The 
flowers will soon fade and die, and are also emblematical of the 
glory of man and the warrior's ambition. But your evergreen 
sprigs speak of man's immortality, and the fame of the true 
warrior. For, 

" When all the blandishments of life are gone, 
The coward sinks to death, the brave live on !" 

At the close of these remarks, the soldiers proceeded, with 
open ranks, by each soldier's grave, and placing a wreath upon 
the same, each man deposited his portion of flowers. This 
simple, yet touching tribute, seemed beautiful, and yet mourn- 
ful — and as they marched from grave to grave, the band dis- 
coursing its sad and mournful dirge, every eye watched their 
footsteps; and it seemed that it was but yesterday that we laid 
away those brave sons and fathers, who so nobly served their 
country in the hour of peril and darkness. 

From this place they proceeded to the old cemetery, where 
they were addressed by the Hon. E. M. Plimpton, a member 
of the Post, who spoke briefly, and in an appropriate manner. 
At the close of his address, the same sad and pensive music 
filled the air — the same slow, measured tread of the soldiers, 
as they marched from grave to grave, depositing their garlands 
on the last resting places of their dead comrades. True, some 
looked on with idle curiosity, and others with an air of indif- 
ference; but the mass seemed to enter into the spirit of the 
occasion, and quiet and good order was universal. Some, also, 
as the soldiers marched away, lingered, perhaps to drop a tear 
on the grave of a loved one, and gathering from the tokens 
left by them, a small testimonial, wended their way, sorrowing, 
but with this recollection — They were true to their country. 

One feature that added greatly to the occasion, was the 
appearance presented by the soldiers, in their neat and tasteful 
uniforms, which added greatly to the interest of the ceremonies. 



55 

CHARLOTTE. 

The members of Post Clark, Charlotte, Mich., performed the 
beautiful ceremony of strewing the graves of soldiers with 
flowers, on Sunday, May 30th. Notwithstanding the rain, a 
number of citizens accompanied the procession to the Ceme- 
tery. Each grave was visited, and each hero was remembered 
with tributes of affection and gratitude. They then adjourned 
to Sampson Hall, where the meeting was opened with prayer 
by Eev. B. F. Bradford, which was followed by an appropriate 
address, of which we give the following : 

EXTRACT FROM ADDRESS OF ED. W. BARBER. 

Members of the Grand Army of the Republic : 

Let me say to you that you cannot pay a lovlier tribute to the 
memory of your departed comrades, than by meeting annually to 
strew flowers over their graves. A more beautiful memorial ser- 
vice could not have been devised. The tie that binds you to your 
comrades has been rendered sacred by their death. Let the 
years be many before you neglect this appropriate custom. I 
envy you the right you have acquu'ed to pay them this tribute 
— so simple, so beautiful, so affecting. Without pomp or dis- 
play — without music, if need be, save the requiem chanted by 
the sighing trees as they bend above your dead companions — we 
bid you come each year and revive your love of country and 
of liberty, as you cast upon their ashes the violet, the rose, the 
lily, and all the wealth of spring's choicest treasures. "Wil- 
lingly we heard your summons to join in the public ceremonies 
to-day. But words are incapable of a pathos so sweet as the 
incense of the flowers you have brought to deck the graves of 
our soldier-dead. 

As long as you shall keep up these services, you will not be 
alone in observing them. You were not alone to-day as you 
assembled around the graves. It may be that from the bend- 
ing heavens your comrades, though invisible to mortal eyes, 
fiUed your minds with generous thoughts and your hearts with 



56 

holy emotions. But, however this may be with you, as now, 
the wife will come again and again to place a cross of flowers 
over a husband's grave. With you, as now, will come the aged 
father, and the tear will follow down the furrow Time has 
plowed upon his cheek, as he calls to mind the image of the 
soldier-boy sleeping at his feet. With you, as now, will come 
the mother, tenderly cherishing the memory of her son, as she 
places a flowery emblem of her affection upon the spot where 
he sleeps the sleep that knows no waking, her motherly grief 
consoled by the thought that he died a hero. With you, as 
now, will come brothers and sisters, and loving friends, each 
bearing some blossomed token of affection to the City of the 
Dead. And with you, as now, will come the orphaned ones, 
seeking their father's grave, yet proud in their sorrow to know 
that he died for his country. 

But, some one might ask, why keep up these sad observ- 
ances ? Why keep alive the remembrance of the terrible con- 
flict which required so many precious lives before the demon of 
war could be stayed? Because, I answer, of the lesson it 
teaches us — that the ])athioay of justice is the only pathway of 
peace! Because it teaches us that national crimes cannot 
escape punishment; and when a national evil becomes so glar- 
ing and defiant that only the red plowshare can uproot it, then 
war comes, springing from the hydra-headed evil itself, to 
scourge or to destroy. 

Aye ! we need to be reminded while pursuing the ambitions' 
of the hour, or reaching out our hands graspingly for gain, 
that these men died for their country, and in dying gave all 
they had, to its cause. We need to be reminded, as the dread 
lesson written in blood does remind us, that in order to have 
peace and preserve it, we must, in our national capacity, re- 
spect, protect and defend the rights and liberties of the poor- 
est man and the humblest, as well as of the richest and the 
proudest. And, above all, we need to be reminded that no 
nation can tolerate any form of slavery or oppression with 



57 

impunity, and hope to escape the avenging hand of retributive 
justice. 

Remembering all these things, and governing our acts as 
citizens, accordingly, we shall do well. And we cannot forget 
them, if we come with each recurring year to refresh our 
memories by the side of the flower-strewn graves of our 
soldier-dead. 

Then, when we ask ourselves the question: Why did these 
men die ? the answer will come unbidden : Because the hour 
for the final conflict between Freedom and Slavery — irrecon- 
cilable here as everywhere — upon this continent had come, and 
whether knowing it or not, every soldier, sleeping his last sleep 
or among the living to-day, was an instrument in the hands of 
an overruling Providence to wipe out the guilty stain of a 
nation's sin. 

Beautiful as are the tributes this day paid, a better service 
than is found in flowers, dirge or oration, shall we render their 
memories by emulating the spirit and carrying on the work 
they so nobly commenced. Our fathers by their heroic deeds, 
gave existence to our nation. Their sons and descendants, 
with an equal valor, have defended the principles they estab- 
lished, and have given freedom to every person within the 
national limits. And now the great duty devolving upon us is 
to persevere until the last battle in behalf of equal rights and 
equal laws for all shall be fought and won, and equal privileges 
under the law be irreversibly secured as the birthright of every 
American citizen. Let the ceremonies of this day be perpetu- 
ated until that glad time shall come. 

"When the nation shall be lifted to that proud eminence, the 
Genius of America, engraved in enduring marble, may be 
placed between the statues of Liberty and Justice, in the 
national temple, there to remain forever. With these twin 
principles for its support, and the strong hands and brave 
hearts of the millions who are to people this country ready 
to rally for its defense when assailed, we have a sure and per- 

8 



58 

manent guarantee for peace. Peace is what the nation needs. 
It wants no more war. It should have no more unless com- 
pelled to wage it in defense of its cherished principles. 

With our present magnificent domains stretching from 
ocean to ocean, and from the orange-groves of Florida to the 
ice-fields of Alaska, war for the acquisition of territory, or to 
gratify a lust for dominion, would be a monstrous crime. 
Bunker-Hill and Yorktown, Lundy's Lane and New Orleans, 
Fort Sumpter and Appomattox, with all the scenes of blood 
and carnage associated with these historic names, furnish war 
pictures enough to satisfy the most sanguinary imagination for 
a century. He is a bad statesman, and proves that he has 
become obhvious to the highest interests of his country, who 
threatens war to settle any international dispute, the impor- 
tance of which is measured by a computation in dollars and 
cents. For the triumphs of peace are greater, and surer, and 
nobler, than the highest possible achievements upon the field 
of battle. 

"War is only justifiable when waged in defense or for the 
preservation of human rights. When a despotism has become 
so rank and oppressive as to be no longer tolerable — or when 
despotic elements have banded together, as in our recent strug- 
gle, to tear down the temple of liberty and to substitute in 
its place a charnel house of oppression — it is the right, it is the 
duty of a people to use all the means God and nature have 
placed at their disposal to crush the oppressor, and to prevent 
the foul wrong from being consummated. 

It is when the contest is of this nature that it affords the 
deepest interest to the patriotic heart. Then the lover of lib- 
erty awaits the result, with pale cheek and suspended respira- 
tion. Not, however, because he hates war the less, but because 
he loves liberty the more. Hence, in our mighty struggle, the 
painful anxiety that filled every loyal breast. It was because 
upon the issue hung suspended the fate of our beloved country. 
If victory perched upon the standard of the Union, our homes, 
our altars, our firesides were safe, and liberty was secure in its 



59 

last chosen place of refage forever. The grandeur, then, which 
gathers about this war for the Union, is aside from and above 
all its battle scenes, though the continent shook beneath the 
tread of a million armed men engaged in the bloody arena. 
For not the destiny of one nation, or the hopes of one people 
only, were involved in it. It cast its influence not upon one 
age only; but the destiny of the world, the cause of mankind, 
the interests of future generations, were all enhsted on the side 
of the Union. 

From first to last we had the "ordial sympathy and moral 
support of the patriots of e\ery land, who are waiting and 
hoping for a deliverance from the despotisms that surround 
them; while, on the other hand, the rulers of nearly every 
monarchy on the globe gave undoubted evidence of sympathy 
with those who sought the nation's destruction. Why was this ? 
It is because the monarchs fear the example of a great, power- 
ful, free Republic. It is because this- country is regarded as 
the last refuge of Freedom ; its only hope and home upon the 
whole earth. For these reasons the eyes of the world were 
turned towards us, watching with the intensest interest, the 
varying fortune of the war for the preservation of our liberty 
and nationality. 

And now the friends of men in every nation look to us with 
anxious hope, and implore us to be faithful to our great trust; 
the memory of the great and good of all ages supplicates us ; 
the noble army of martyrs in the cause of humanity stretch 
out their hands to us; the blood and the sacrifices of our fathers 
beseech us; the yet undimmed recollection of three hundred 
thousand patriot graves appeals to us; the innumerable throng 
among the angel hosts, who have passed from Freedom's battle- 
fields on earth to the perfect freedom of the heavenly state, 
look down upon us from the holy heights they occupy and plead 
with us; — all, all, entreat us, by whatever makes life desirable 
and the heart holds dear, to preserve the spirit of Liberty. We 
are admonished by the wrecks of nations that He scattered 
along the shore of time; by the ashes of dead Empires, that 



60 

perished because of their oppressions of the children of men 
— by all that has been suffered and endured in the great cause 
of individual freedom — not to forsake it or let it suffer while 
entrusted to our keeping. 

In the unity of the Republic, to preserve which the very elect 
of the land lie sleeping in honored graves, with equal laws and 
equal privileges for all, is to be found the only certain guaran- 
tee for peace, prosperity, and happiness. National safety, 
national tranquility and national glory, all require that the 
national law shall be based upon the fundamental principles of 
Eternal Justice. 

We have a glorious country. It is a cause for daily grati- 
tude to the Giver of all Good that our lot has been cast under 
the care of so beneficent a government. Let no dream of dis- 
ruption or destruction enter the mind of any American citizen 
to be harbored for a single moment, Cicero has attributed the 
decline and fall of the Roman Empire to a forgetfulness, on 
the part of her people, of, the principles they had recognized 
in their earlier and happier fortunes. 

Let us not forget the foundation idea of (jur government, as 
embodied in that immortal rescript of human rights — the Dec- 
laration of Independence — and cease to cherish and protect 
the inalienable rights of man. If the Republic remains true 
to this idea, its example will not be like that of other Repub- 
lics which have dotted the world's history, affording another 
unhappy instance of the failure of institutions intended to 
provide for the protection of human liberty. 

How sad is their history — how impressive the lessons they 
teach — how mournful the wrecks they have left. 

" Such is the moral of all earthly tales ; 
'Tis but the same rehearsal of the past. 
First freedom, and then glory : when that fails, 
Corruption, slavery, barbarism at last ; 
And history, with all her volumes vast, 
Hath but one page." 

A country that is worth dying for as men have died for this 
— a country that is worth suffering for as men have suffered 



61 

for this — is worth preserving by a rigid adherence, on the part 
of every citizen, to the great idea of personal liberty, wherever 
it rests. This preserved, its peace is rendered secure and its 
prosperity certain. God grant that in the future there may be 
given no occasion for a repetition of scenes like this. 

War brings blighted fields, desolated homes, and saddened 
hearts. Peace brings nobler trophies in ripened harvests, happy 
firesides, and joyous hearts. The grandest triumphs of the peo- 
ple of this country are not to be found in the cannon they 
have invented, in the Monitors they have built, in the dread 
machinery they have produced for destroying human life. Not 
to these things do we point with the proudest enthusiasm, as 
the great achievements of American civilization. 

Our greatest, noblest, and proudest triumphs have been won 
while following the white-robed angel of Peace. Here the in- 
ventive genius of man is as free as the institutions under which 
he lives; and we point with the greatest delight to the wonder- 
ful achievements it has vyrought; to the Steamer, which laughs 
defiance at wind and tide as it rides the ocean's breast; to 
the tamed lightning, which, by means of the telegraph, minis- 
ters to the necessities and aids the enterprise of man; to the 
coil of wire which rests upon the ocean's bed and makes the 
Old World and the New feel the same electric touch, and fur- 
nishes a new guarantee for peace; to the iron rails that stretch 
across the continent, so that, passing through the golden gate 
of California, we are nearer the ancient civilizations of the 
East than are the monarchies of Europe — enabling the Occi- 
dent and the Orient to shake hands across the broad sea that 
should ever remain Pacific; to the school-houses that are dot- 
ted over every township; to the church spires that point 
heavenward from every city and hamlet as the emblems of our 
Christian civilization. 

Such are the triumphs of Peace. Said I not well, then, that 
they are higher, nobler, and grander than all the battle-fields 
of the world ? Oh, then, for the future, in the language of the 



62 

Commander-in-Chief of the armies of the Republic— "Let us 
have peace." 

'* Lord of the Universe ! shield us and guide us. 

Trusting Thee always, through shadow and sun, 
Thou hast united us, who shall divide us? 
Keep us, O, keep us, the Many in One ! 

Up with our banner bright. 

Sprinkled with starry light, 
Spread its fair emblems from mountain to shore ; 

While through the sounding sky 

Loud rings the nation's cry — 
Union and Liberty! One Evekmoke!" 



COLD WATER. 

The ceremonies which took place in this city on Saturday, 
May 29th, under the direction of Post No. 34, G. A. R, Capt. 
J. H. McGowan commanding, were attended by several thou- 
sand of the people of Coldwater and vicinity. Although the 
rain fell in torrents, over 200 conveyances formed in the pro- 
cession, which, together with the large number on foot, includ- 
ing the Masonic Fraternity, the Good Templars and Grand 
Army of the Republic, moved to Oak Grove Cemetery, where 
the exercises were to have taken place. Near the entrance to 
the grounds a large cenotaph had been erected, in memory of 
the deceased soldiers buried elsewhere. Owing to the drench- 
ing rain. Commander McGowan announced that the oration and 
addresses would be deferred until the afternoon. 

The committee of little girls, 150 in number, dressed in white 
with red belts and blue sashes, then visited the grave of each 
soldier and scattered flowers and wreaths upon their resting 
places. Commander McGowan announcing the name and age 
of each, and the command to which he belonged, the Comet 
band playing a dirge meantime, when the procession broke up, 
and all sought shelter from the still falling rain. 

The rain ceasing about three o'clock, it was decided to have 
the addresses in the Court House yard, and a large crowd 
assembled and listened to the following 



63 

OKATION OF CAPT. G. H. TURNER. 

Worthy Commander, Fellow- Soldiers and Citizens: 

In the peculiar fitness of things, it seems some more eloquent 
tribute than mine, graced by maturer years and the added 
weight of riper experience, should solemnize the mournful duty 
that we render this day to our honored Dead. 

But these silent sleepers need no word-painting or pen- 
pictures to eulogize their actions in our struggle for national 
existence. The eloquent silence above these little mounds is 
plainly suggestive of that devotion to duty, that self-sacrificing 
spirit, that patriotic enthusiasm that characterized our loyal 
soldiery. 

Roll back but a few years the resistless course of time, and 
how the scene changes. Peace, with the seductive security of 
continued prosperity showered blessings upon us as a nation. 
Our fields teemed with an abundant harvest, our bams were 
bursting with plenty, our rivers were dotted with the white 
sails of commerce, and no nation so distant or so powerful but 
what did reverence to the stars and stripes. Like the everlast- 
ing mountains that resist the external war of elements and only 
crumble by the internal throes of that gigantic Titan impris- 
oned in their bosom, so we stood, unapproached by external 
foes, but nourished a deadly Upas in our own breast. The 
shadows of this poisonous tree had so gradually stolen upon 
us, that by very familiarity we had overlooked its fatality, 
when, lo! the cry comes from Washington that sacrilegious 
hands are tugging at the heart of the nation and strong arms 
and brave hearts must help, in this hour of need, or we perish. 
This appeal came individually to every loyal heart, and most 
glorious was the response. Soon we saw the streets of our 
city, whose quiet had only been disturbed by the peaceful ways 
of trade, resounding to the marching squadron, or shaken by 
the reverberating echoes of our artillery, Grim-visaged war 
usurped the field where agriculture brought her yearly tribute 
in ripened grain and luscious fruits. Flora, Ceres, Pales, fled 



64 

at the approach of Mars. Ah ! those were days that com- 
pressed yeai's of anxiety in moments of time. How indehbly 
the scene is impressed upon the mind and heart that transpired 
when the first Company, under the patriot hero, Capt. Eb. 
Butterworth, mustered at the depot for departure. The joyous 
laugh of infancy was checked by the saddened coimtenances of 
older people, and the more matured in years that realized the 
situation felt the awful responsibility of the hour, while old 
age with faltering steps came with trembhng lips to utter God 
speed. And, when the last words had to be spoken, and the 
last lingering clasp of affection loosened, how impenetrably 
dark seemed the cloud that hung over us, whose sombre folds 
were only pierced by that Divine light which the Angel of Mercy 
flung down through the gloom. How we listened for the famil- 
iar voice, or strained the ear to catch the distant foot-fall, and 
how unconsciously the eyes wandered in the direction they 
departed. Something had gone out of our lives, and though 
hope unrolled the silver lining of the cloud to our view, anxiety 
laid bare each dread possibility. Yet for four long years these 
partings were transpiring in our midst, partings whose sundered 
chords should not be re-united this side of eternity, imtil a wail 
of anguish ascended to Heaven in piteous accents — how long, 
oh ! Lord, how long ! 

This is but a reflection of what was transpiring through all 
the loyal States. How grand is that consciousness of man- 
hood that takes upon itself the burden of duty and pursues 
undeviatingly the moral promptings of the heart, though sac- 
rifices are strewn by the way-side, and self-aggrandizement is 
absorbed in mutual disinterestedness. Our soldiers needed not 
the exhortation that Napoleon found necessary to utter to his 
troops, when he stood beneath the Pyramids and exclaimed, 
" The suns of forty centuries are looking down upon you ! " 
No, in every loyal heart there was a knowledge of the respon- 
sibility that rested upon each one, and a glow of honest pride 
that animated every countenance when they remembered their 
efforts were helping to perpetuate that government which bears 



65 

this motto on its bright escutcheon — "Siluspopuli suprema lex 
esto" 

We will never again have to search ancient history for an ex- 
ample of the Grecian mother, who, in presenting her son with 
his shield as he went forth to battle, told him to come with it 
or on it. She has at last found her equal in heroism in the 
daughters of America. With the loving hands of wife, mother, 
or sister, you assisted in the preparation of departure to the 
scene of battle, those near and dear to you as your own hfe; 
and though every action on your part seemed but the knell to 
that saddest of all words — farewell — no sigh escaped you. 
Womanly devotion rose to the majesty of martyrdom, and you 
proved yourselves loyal, brave, and true. Though you sent 
your friends to meet the foe in deadly strife, they went in all 
the pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious war, surrounded 
by enthusiastic comrades, cheered with the hope of some crown- 
ing victory, enlivened by strains of martial music, and soothed 
by the knowledge that all at home were well, and, above all, 
that that starry flag should wave in all the purity of its sim- 
plicity over this land of the free and home of the brave. On 
the contrary, you were tortured by anxiety and suspense, 
breaking the seal of every letter with trembling hands, lest it 
confirm your fears, and with suspended breath scanning the 
long list of names reported missing, wounded, or dead, but 
with the devotion of American womanhood, moved on, worked 
on, loved on. 

It is not necessary for me to designate by name the heroes 
that sleep here around us. Their eulogy is blazoned as bright 
as the flashes of their musketry in the scarred and jagged sides 
of Mission Ridge, and the frowning battlements of Lookout 
Mountain. Time will not dim its lustre, and like a coronet of 
gems set above the world, will be to our children's children the 
sacred emblem of National glory. They have chronicled their 
deeds on the field of Antietam and Gettsyburg, from the Atlan- 
tic to the Pacific, from the Ohio to the Gulf of Mexico. Their 

9 



66 

history is written in the hearts of their countrymen, and 
though marble piles shall rise in commemoration of their 
deeds, let the story of their life and death descend as national 
history from generation to generation, and still live in future 
ages when the marble tablets shall be crumbled into dust. 

Soldiers, rest ! Your warfare's o'er ; 

Sleep the sleep that knows no waking ; 
Dream of battle-fields no more, 

Days of toil and nights of waking. 

In commemorating these graves, do not let us forget the 
nameless ones scooped from the blood-stained field of battle, 
or hollowed by the way-side too hastily to admit a comrade to 
mark his last resting place, save in memory. May Nature, in 
sympathy with her darling dead, rear sweet spring flowers over 
those graves, whose blossoms, though born to blush unseen, 
shall not waste their sweetness on the desert air. And those 
marines who sleep beneath the waters they so heroically de- 
fended, let the full share of honor be meted to them. Though 
watching with sleepless fidelity the long line of our coast, or 
sending broadside upon broadside into the very teeth of the 
rebel forts, they never, for a single instant, disgraced the flag 
that floated at the mast-head, but gave to our fleet her proud 
eminence among the navies of the world. One could multiply 
instances of their valor, Uke the brave Gushing, that destroyed 
the Albemarle, or when Commodore Farragut attacked the 
rebel fleet under the very walls of Fort Jackson and St. Phil- 
lip. Though three hundred guns rained their destruction of 
shot and shell upon him, he and his brave command carried 
his vessels through that baptism of fii'e and blood till the 
Crescent City crowned his victory. It was a sad Saturday for 
us when the Merrimac steamed from her hiding place, and 
headed direct for our shipping that guarded Newport News. 
The Congress and Cumberland poured broadsides of solid shot 
upon the mailed sides of the monster, but disdaining even a 
reply to the iron hail that bounded from her sides, she buried 
her prow, with a fearful crash, into the side of the Cumberland 



67 

and dealt her a mortal wound. Recoiling from the shock, she 
poured a volley into the already sinking ship; but Lieutenant 
Morris and his command preferred to sink with his vessel than 
to surrender to the enemies of the old flag. Slowly the Cum- 
berland was submerged, but continued hurling defiance at the 
rebel monster, and her last moan was a broadside as the waters 
closed over her. When I saw the tall spars of his vessel still 
piercing the blue waves, they seemed to me like the finger of 
destiny pointing to the God of Battles, and while the James 
shall roll its waters to the sea, let a grateful nation honor these 
heroic men. 

The grave of every hero before us covered by the green 
mantle that Mother-earth folds so lovingly around them, has a 
corresponding grave in some heart where the flowers of mem- 
ory bloom, nourished by that fountain of affection whose waters 
spring from eternal hope. The sable habiliments of mourning, 
speak of these deeds a language that cannot be mistaken, and 
we come to-day to render tributary honors to those who have 
gone before; to extend the hand of mutual sympathy; to mingle 
our tears with you; for your sorrows are our sorrows. The 
eloquent interpretation of the silence of the sepulcher tells 
plainer than words; they were found in the line of their duty 
at the front ! We who have lived to enjoy their labors, what- 
ever else occurs to us, their place in our memory should be at 
the front. They have passed beyond the reach of mortal aid 
and sympathy, but they have left behind them a legacy which 
should be a pleasurable duty to us to assist in every possible 
way. We can show our devotion to the dead by doing our 
duty to the living. The orphan, the widow, and the afiiicted 
should be our special care. We owe them a debt of gratitude 
which we can never repay, but we can in a measure relieve their 
necessities, not only with words of condolence, but hasten in a 
pecuniary way to lighten the burdens of life. Let them not 
feel they are recipients of charity, for we are their debtors, 
and we should be profoundly thankful that so small a remuner- 
ation on our part could be placed in the balance of the awful 



68 

contribution they have made. Let the consecrated }3laces of 
our honored dead be held in reverential awe and profound 
regard as the sacred deposits of the nation's defenders; for, in 
that great day when the sky shall pass away as a scroll, the 
fountains of the deep be broken up, and the graves give up 
their dead, the marble cerements of Notre Dame, or the sculp- 
tured Sarcophagii of the ancient Pyramids, wiU yield no more 
sublime example of patriotism than the quiet and unostenta- 
tious graves around us. Let fragrant flowers rest over each 
loyal heart, emblems of peace, purity, and love, and when the 
snow-white flag of Jesus shall be the universal banner of the 
world, their fragrance shall rise as incense to the angel of 
Mercy who will send greeting to us, " Peace on earth and good 
will to man." 

ADDRESS BY KEV. W. C. PORTER. 

Fellow Citizens : 

I but speak the language of your own hearts when I say, 
beautifully appropriate have been the ceremonies of this hour,, 
as with reverent hearts the hands of youth and beauty have 
strewed the offerings' of peace above the sacrifices of war. 
Beautiful the ceremony certainly is, as in this quiet " city of 
the dead," old and young unite in doing honor to the memory 
of those who gave their all to the cause which they and we 
regarded as the cause of their country and of humanity, and 
above their graves strew chaplets and garlands of those spring 
blossoms with which the loving Father of all hides the ravages 
of winter. Over the ravages of winter, the channels worn by 
the torrents and the seams cut by the ice, God sows the grace- 
ful grasses and the modest violet. Convulsions and catastro- 
phies, wounds, diseases and death, are one side of the picture 
presented by all we know of life. But somehow we gain the 
impression that this is not normal; for no sooner do we grow 
sad at the sight of disaster, than we are cheered again by the 
sights and sounds of ministering love. Not "Victory," the 
victory of force, " and then fhe typhus," but victory with all it 



69 

comprises of evil, and then loves healing touch. First the 
canopy of fire and smoke, in which the patriot breathes out 
his soul, and then the era of peace and then the reign of order; 
first, the desert with its drouth, its conflicts and uncertainty, 
then Pisgah with its glorious visions and the Land of Promise 
with its rest. Such is the divine order. And when under the 
reign of Peace, surrounded with all the material blessings which 
come in its train, we, the citizens of a proud free nation, whose 
territorial integrity has been preserved, and whose political 
status has been exalted in the view of all nations, by the hero- 
ism of men who have the " courage to fight and the manhood 
to die " for the land they love, meet to manifest our apprecia- 
tion of their sacrifice, what can be more beautiful than to see 
all ages and all classes stand about their graves in reverence, 
while the hands of innocent maidens — the flowers of our hearts 
and of our homes — strew the soldier's grave with the sweet 
blossoms of our gardens and our fields. Surely the ceremony 
is appropriate, for we but imitate, as I have suggested, that 
which God does in nature, and our scattered flowers are but a 
feeble imitation in our Cemetery of what he is doing through- 
out the earth. Does God plant flowers on the soldier's grave ? 
Pardon me if I answer from experience, and relate an incident 
that can never be forgotten while memory lasts. About one 
year after the " Battle of Chancellorville," while on our march 
to that terrible conflict known in our history as the " Battle of 
the Wilderness," we bivouaced on the old battlefield, and anx- 
ious once more to see particular spots fraught with a terrible, 
a tragic interest, I sought that part of the field where the tide 
of battle had rolled and surged with most deadly violence. 
There were still to be seen, scattered all around, sad relics of 
the fight, while here and there unsightly mounds told of the 
haste in which friends, or the carelessness with which foes had 
hidden away the remains of men once fired with heroic ardor 
and patriotic devotion. How vividly the whole scene was 
recalled ! Again I heard the sharp rattle of the rifles and the 
heavy roar of artillery, the shrill call of the bugle and the 



70 

shouts of the combatants; all that fierce, wild uproar which 
marks the progress of the battle ! As the shades of night 
gathered above me and I was reminded that it was time to 
return to my regiment, I longed to bear with me some me- 
mento which in after days should speak of that terrible con- 
flict. What should it be ? Around me lay broken arms, pieces 
of swords and muskets, and bullets marked " U. S." and " C. S." 
What should I choose ? All were repugnant, for each spoke 
of human sufierings and death; so I stooped and gathered 
from the earth which hghtly covered the soldier sleeping un- 
conscious of wounds and death, a white and a blue violet, 
emblems of God's love, who thus watched over the ashes of 
the dead though away in the tangled woodlands of the south, 
far from the homes of kindred and childhood, when weary 
watchers had waited for their coming until hearts had grown 
sick and hopes died away; when eyes that had grown dim with 
weeping could let fall no tear-drops upon the rude mound, 
God was watching over the sleeper's dust, and had planted the 
timid violet, while kind nature had dropped upon the ground 
her fruitful showers and her pearly dews, and I, a former com- 
rade, in the gathering darkness and the solemn hush of that 
summer eve, stooped and — not without emotion — gathered the 
violets from the soldier's grave. Beautifully appropriate are 
our services, as we thus imitate the loving care of the Father 
in Heaven. But there is another sense in which these services 
are highly appropriate. They are the offering of gratitude to 
valor. We can never forget that to the patriotism of our vol- 
unteers we are indebted for a united country. To the sacrifices 
of our citizens, our brothers, sons and husbands, we owe it, 
that to-day we are not plunged into the wild vortex of anar- 
chy, and witness on every hand the sad spectacle of " States 
dissevered, discordant and belligerent," renewing on this fair 
land the feudes and deadly conflicts which have marked with 
crime and blood the pages of European history. And to the 
memory of those by whose sacrifices we are thus blessed, we 
owe not only that legal recognition, which, as a government 



71 

we have made in pensions and bounties, unprecedented for 
liberality in the annals of the world, but also all loving tokens 
which can tell to survivors that the people of a glorious nation 
can never forget their heroes; that around the " hearth and 
home," their deeds are remembered and their names cherished 
with the warmest affection, by a grateful people. It is from our 
homes we draw our proudest inspirations. It is for our homes 
we strike with the greatest force. It is the memories of home 
that strengthen the hearts of " citizen soldiers " to bear all the 
hardships of the camp, and the horrors of the battle. 

" When the tempests of war surge round us and rattle, 
When the stoutest of hearts would be fain to succumb, 

What is it that nerves the most timid to battle ? 
The blessed remembrance of Hearth and of Home." 

And may that day never dawn when the armies of America 
will need to be supplied by mercenaries who feel none of the 
inspiration which supported our fathers in their struggle to 
secure a nation, and our brothers in their sacrifices to preserve 
it. We aU know the proud boast of England's poet which 
became the watch- word of the nation: 

" Britania needs no bulwarks, no towers along the steep, 
Her march is on the mountain- wave, her home is on the deep." 

But have we not a prouder boast ? Do not we say with a 
pride words cannot adequately express, that the bulwarks and 
defenses of our country are found, neither in towers of stone 
nor ships of oak or iron, but in the love of the millions of her 
brave sons whose best energies are given to her prosperity in 
peace, and who, when her life is jeopardizedj stand forth a living 
wall, stronger than adamant, and stem a fate to turn aside the 
dagger aimed at her breast, though the point may pierce their 
own hearts. Sad and presageful will be the day, if it shall 
ever dawn, when America cannot point in proud confidence to 
her sons and say: " These are my defenders; bucklered with 
these brave hearts and strong arms I stand secure !" And so 
it is befitting, it is appropriate, that by every proper demon- 
stration we should do honor to the memory of the dead, that 



72 

we may thereby increase the love and devotion of the living. 
To-day, all over our broad land the people will gather about 
the graves of our fallen heroes, as at altars of sacrifice to re- 
kindle the torch of patriotism which God grant may never be 
extinguished. Here we have strewed our ofifering of sweet 
flowers above the graves of those whom we proudly name " Our 
Defenders." Spirits of the departed, if from your spheres of 
being you look upon our actions, be pleased to accept this deed 
as no hollow form, but the true index of our faithful remem- 
brance. Here we renew our vows of faithful service even unto 
death, for- the institutions you loved, the country for which 
you died. 

But I cannot, I would not forget that I stand before you as 
a minister of the "Gospel of Peace," whose daily prayer 
ascends to the Father of all, for the dawning of that better age 
when " The nations shall learn war no more," in the full faith, 
that however long delayed, the promised day will come when 
" The Might with the Eight and the Truth shall be," and all 
questions between nations no less than between individuals 
shall be settled on the principles of equity, in the spirit of love. 
But it is evident that day has not yet dawned, the spirit of 
wrong and injustice is not yet cast out, and too much of a sel- 
fish disregard for justice rules in the councils of the nations. 
Already there are ominous portents, strange whisperings are 
abroad, and there is a dread of impending evil in many hearts 
which has not and perhaps cannot shape itself in words; but 
while we may not anticipate the future, here beside the graves 
of those who died to preserve the unity of our nation, do I 
not speak the common sentiment when I say, that should any 
hand be raised in wrath against the land we love, we will rally 
as of yore to the defense, and maintain her honor or die in the 
endeavor ? We have no lust for war, no thirst for slaughter — 
from its dire form we shrink with loathing as from the enemy 
of our race; but to a people there are greater calamitie's than 
■yyar — to a man there are evils more terrible than death. And 
so, while we have consecrated ourselves to the cause of our 



73 

country, let us lift up our hearts in all sincerity to Him who 
rules in the councils of nations and of men, and humbly pray 
for guidance, for protection, and for peace. 

APOSTROPHE, BY DR. J. H. BEACH. 

Rest thee, heroes ! In the firmament of glory 

"We can trace each spirit star. 
The distant years shall hear the story 

Of thy sacrifice in war. 

Rest thee, heroes ! let our gifts of choicest flowers 

Show our reverence for thy dust. 
Whilst m heaven's elysian bowers 

Thy eternal spirits rest. 

Rest thee, heroes ! What although our humble effort 

Nought of good to thee imparts— 
These faint tributes to thy merit 

Strengthen virtue in our hearts. 

Rest thee, heroes ! Lo, we bring our simple offering 

Stript of every marring thorn,— 
Thus we come, of nought remembering 

But those virtues which adorn. 

Rest thee, heroes ! for, by thee our flag exalted. 

Gains the homage of the earth ; 
But for thee, its fame departed, 

It had been forever cjp-s'd. 

Rest thee, heroes ! Zephyrs o'er this broad domam 

Bear the fragrance of our token, 
Whilst, united, all thy country shouts thy fame, 

And praises for its bands unbroken. 

At the close of these exercises the audience was dismissed 
with a benediction by Kev. G. P. Schetky. On Sunday, May 
30th, appropriate sermons were preached by Revs. "W. C. 
Porter, G. P. Schetky, E. Cooley, and A. W. Curtis. 

The neighboring villages of Quincy, Union City, and Bron- 
son also observed the day by appropriate ceremonies. 
10 



74 

DETROIT. 

As the 30th of May — the day fixed for the ceremony of dec- 
orating the graves of the Soldiers of the RepubHc — fell this 
year on Sunday, the Memorial Services were held in this city, 
as in many other places, on Saturday, May 29th. This was the 
second observance of the day in Detroit, and the unanimity 
with which the people joined in the observance shows that the 
ceremony has a significance which is generally appreciated and 
approved. The weather was not very propitious. The sky was 
murky and threatening, and the ground was soaked with the 
rains of the preceding day, yet the ceremony was performed in 
Elmwood Cemetery, in the presence of at least ten thousand 
people. 

Long before the hour for the formation of the procession, 
the streets were lined with peoj)le, and the hum of business 
ceased. Stores were closed, and flags were drooped at half- 
mast. The people gathered in crowds on the corners of the 
streets, and for two miles at least they filled the sidewalks so 
completely that it was difficult to move. The original pro- 
gramme was carried out, as far as circumstances would permit. 

mayor's proclamation. 

Believing it to be the sacred duty of all to pay a just tribute of re- 
spect to the memory of those brave men who so nobly fell and died on 
the battle-field for the maintenance of the Union , the city offices wiU be 
closed on Saturday afternoon, May 29th, 1869, and the National Flag 
will be hoisted at half-mast, upon the City Hall and other public build- 
ings, diu-ing the day, which example the shipping and citizens are invited 
to follow ; also, ovir merchants and others are respectfully requested to 
close their various places of business from 2 to 5 o'clock p. m., on said 
day, in order that all may be allowed to participate in the memorial 
services. 

WILLIAM S. BOND, 

Acting Mayor. 

Mayor's Office, Detroit, May 24th, 1869. 



75 

Chief Marshal James E. Pittman issued orders, assigning to 
dnty as Assistant Marshals on that day, M. V. Borgman, W. 
H. Allen, William Tillman, B. Vernor, WilHam Hall, William 
Parker, E. S. Leadbeater, G. W. LaPoint, Chas. M. Lum, J. 
B. E. Gravier, H. M. Duffield, and S. E. Pittman. 

OEDEB OF PBOCESSION. 

Metropolitan Police. 

Chief Marshal. 

Assistant Marshals Borgman, Dufflelcl, Hull, Pittman, and Lum. 

First Diyision. 

Assistant Marshals LaPoint and Leadbeater. 

First U. S. Inf. Band. 

First Regiment U. S. Infantry. 

Co. G, Fourth U. S. Artillery. 

OflScers and Crew of U. S. Revenue Steamer Fessenden, 

Detroit Light Guard, 

Scott Guard. 

Sherman Zouaves. 

Officers, Soldiers and Sailors of the late War, 

Disabled Soldiers and Sailors in Carriages. 

Second Division. 

Assistant Marshals TiUman, Vernor and Parker. 

Committee of Arrangements. 

President of the Day. 

Orators of the Day. 

The Officiating Clergy. 

Maj. Gen. John Pope, U. S. A., Comanding Department of the Lakes, 

and Staff. 

Brevet Maj. Genl. Buchanan, U. S. A., Commanding Post, and Staff. 

Officers of the Army, Navy, and Revenue. 

Governor of the State and Military Staff. 

Officers of the State Military Department. 

State Military Board. 

Senators and Representatives iu Congress, and U. S. Ministers. 

Officers of the U. S. Courts. 

Civil Officers of the United States. 

Judges of the Supreme and other State Courts. 

Ilis Honor, the Mayor. 



76 

The President, the Common CouncU, and City OflBcers. 

Members of the Board of Police Commissioners. 

Members of the Board of Fire Commissioners. 

Superintendent of the House of Correction. 

The Clergy of Detroit. 

Members of the Board of Education. 

Members of the Detroit Board of Trade. 

Third Division. 

Assistant Marshals E. J. Garfield, and J. B. R. Gravier. 

Knights Templar Band. 

The Order of Knights Templar. 

Lafayette Benevolent Association. 

FouKTBC Division. 

Assistant Marshal Allen. 

Detroit Light Guard Band. 

German Workingmen's Aid Society. 

Cigar Maker's Union. 

Fifth Division. 

Assistant Marshal G. A. Sheley. 

Shortly after two o'clock p. m., the whole body began to move, 
the signal being given by the firing of a gun from the U. S 
Steamer Fessenden, Capt. Knapp commanding, which lay off 
the foot of Woodward avenue, and which fired minute guns 
while the procession was moving. Saving the immense num- 
ber of vehicles gathered at the gates of the Cemetery, there 
was nothing to retard the progress of the procession to the 
stand, on the grounds. There was no pushing or jostling, but 
an evident, deep seated desire to take part in honoring the 
dead soldiers. 

The entrance to Elmwood was beautifully and appropriately 
decorated. It was surmounted by a broad arch, flanked by 
two smaller ones. The whole was draped with the national 
colors, and wreathed with evergreens, and bore the inscription: 
"Honor the Dead," with the date. A spacious platform, capa- 
ble of holding several hundred persons, had been erected in 
the ravine near the fountains and the stone bridge. The sides 



77 

of the hills, which rose adjacent, formed an amphitheatre, from 
■which the thousands assembled could see and hear what was 
going forward. The platform was decked with evergreens and 
flags, and upon it were seated those who took part in the exer- 
cises, the orator and poet, many veteran and crippled soldiers, 
distinguished officers of the United States, State and city gov- 
ernments, clergymen, members of the board of trade, and 
others. The scene from the platform was impressive. In 
every direction there was a sea of faces. The sky was over- 
cast, and the thick dark foliage on the hill-side, cast a sombre 
shadow, which seemed to be reflected in the faces of those who 
listened to the services of the hour. 

EXERCISES AT THE STAND. 

1. Prayer, by Chaplain W. G. E. Mellen. 

2. Music, by tlie Choir. 

3. Memorial Ode, by D. Bethune Duffield. 

4. Memorial Hymn, by the Choir. 

5. Oration, by President E. B. Fairfield. 

6. Anthem, by the Choir. 

7. Benediction. 

THE SERVICES. 

Gen. Mark Flanigan presided, and briefly introduced the ex- 
ercises, after which an impressive prayer was offered by the 
Eev. W. R. G. Mellen, pastor of the Unitarian Church of this 
city. The following chant, written for the occasion by D. B. 
Duffield, was then sung by a quartette, accompanied by an 
organ: 

How holy is this place ! 
'Tis sacred as the very house of God, 
And as the gate of Heaven. 

Here rests the Hero's dust, 
That hallows into Liberty this sod, 
For which their lives were given. 



78 

Ever tread lightly here, 
Where sleep in honor all our soldier dead, 
From life in glory riven. 

How holy is this place ! 
'Tis sacred as the veiy house of God, 
Yea ! as the gate of Heaven. 

THE DIRGE. 

The poet of the day, D. Bethune Dufifield, was then intro- 
duced, and recited, in a clear and pleasant voice, the dirge 
written by himself : 

Bring garlands, rosy garlands. 
And strew these grassy graves ! 

For Heroes here are sleeping, 

Where Liberty stands weepiag 
For the bravest of her braves ! 

Bring flowers, fi-agrant flowers 

From off Spring's dewy breast. 
For those who, thro' the battle, 
Pass'd down 'mid War's wild rattle. 
To the Soldier's glorious rest. 

Bring amaranthine flowers 
From Fame's far-shining crest ; 

For Martyrs here lie crowded, 

In the Nation's flag enshrouded. 
With its glory on each breast. 

Bring music, plaintive music. 

And pour it on the air ; 
But check, oh ! check the bugle's ciy. 
And hush the snare-drum's wild reply. 

Thro' these quiet aisles of prayer. 

Bring tears and sobbing bosoms. 

And press them on each grave, 
For widow 'd wives and mothers 
Bewail these soldier brothers. 

And a hallowed memory crave. 



79 

Bi-ing laiirel-woven garlands, 
And crown these mounds of love, 

For the sword is now laid by ; 

The conqueror pass'd on high 
To his welcome for above. 

Bring our Coimtry's peerless banner. 

And dip it to the grave ; 
That the spirits here who sleep, 
Once more in joy may leap, 

To the flag they died to save ! 

After the reading of the dirge, the whole audience joined in 
singing, to the tune of "America," a chorus appropriate for 
the occasion. The orator of the day, the Hon. E. B. Fairfield, 
of Hillsdale, was then introduced, and spoke as follows : 

OKATION OF PRESIDENT E. B. FAIEFIELD. 

Soldiers of the EepuUic : 

I greet you to-day as the nation's defenders — as the honored 
survivors of a great war waged for the preservation of our glo- 
rious fatherland. You meet — not on the bloody field any more, 
to be stirred by sound of drum and fife to deeds of noble daring, 
which eloquence and song shall forever embalm in the hearts 
of your grateful countrymen; but you come to stand by the 
last resting place of the fallen braves, to remember their deeds 
of heroic patriotism, and to bestrew their graves with tears 
and with flowers. It is a mournful, yet delightful office which 
you perform this hour in memory of your comrades who stood 
with you in the thickest of the fight, but fell ere the shout of 
final victory had burst on the air. 

Men die, but their deeds live after them. The lips of these 
sleeping heroes are dumb, but their works do follow them and 
speak for them more eloquently than any poor words of the 
living can possibly do. Yet, on such an occasion as this, it is 
meet that we should pay them the best tribute we may by 
recalling to mind those deeds which speak their own praise, 
and which only needs a simple rehearsal to stir our hearts to 



80 

gratitude as we walk softly and lovingly among their tombs 
to-day. 

And, first of all, these men died for their country. What- 
ever there is of patriotic self-sacrifice — whatever there is of 
honor and glory in such a death — belongs to them. " Tell our 
countrymen that we lie here, in obedience to our country's 
laws and our country's call," might be the appropriate epitaph 
of every one of them. And, if the old poet has it right when 
he says — 

" Dulce et decorum est pro patria mnr!," 
(Sweet and glorious is it for country to die,) 

the death of these men had in it no element of bitterness. He 
lives too long who outhves his country's life. A man without a 
country is most emphatically and sadly a stranger on the earth. 
These heroes fought and fell for their altars and their fire- 
sides. Whatever is dear in the word " fatherland," had been 
assailed by the fratricidal hands that were raised to smite down 
the banner that floats to-day from lake to gulf, and from sea to 
sea. They came to its rescue; they wrapt its proud folds 
around them; sanctified it anew with their precious blood, and 
left it behind them glorified as never before. 

" O, thus be it ever, when Freemen shall stand 
Between their loved homes and the war's desolation. 

Blessed with victory and peace, may the heaven-rescued land 
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation. 

And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave 

O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave." 

But more than this; they gave themselves a sacrifice to the 
cause of Constitutional Government in our own land not only, 
but in the whole world besides. 

That was the cause that was on trial before the nations, and 
for the righteous verdict in the case, these men shed their 
blood. For the advancement and ultimate triumph of well- 
ordered civil government by the people, and for the people, 
they gave up their lives, a willing, yet costly sacrifice. 
. Our country owes them a debt of gratitude and honor, which 
she will never be able fully to pay. A part of that heavy debt 



81 

is ours. For us these men bared their breasts to the shock of 
battle. They stood between us and the foe, receiving in their 
own bosoms the deadly shafts that were aimed at their coun- 
try's life. They died in war, that we might live in peace. 

The Union was assailed; and in this Union rested our best 
hopes as a Nation. If its strong bonds were broken, there re- 
mained for us only the dissevered fragments of a once glorious 
Kepublic. The doctrine of one great National Sovereignty is 
the doctrine of peace and power; the doctrine of thirty-four 
petty Sovereignties that of weakness and war. With one 
strong government for the protection of the loyal and the true 
and for the punishment of all who rebel and betray, we are at 
peace among ourselves, and competent to conquer a peace with 
all mankind. 

One flag means dignity, stability, and harmony; forty flags 
mean littleness, fragility, discord, and blood. The hands that 
in yonder cemetery lie folded in death, bore up the one flag of 
our common Union, and bore it until it floated again from 
every battlement and from every ship's deck. 

If there is anything of which we, as Americans, might justly 
be proud, it is of the theory of the American representative 
Eepublic, which gives to us one strong central government for 
the common defense and the general welfare — a government 
demanding respect at home and abroad; while smaller mat- 
ters of local legislation are left to the respective States. Over 
the door-way of our proud temple might well be inscribed the 
first words, so full of significance, which are found written in 
the fundamental law: 

" "We, the people of the United States, in order to form a 
more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tran- 
quility, provide for the common defense, promote the general 
welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and 
our posterity, do ordain and establish this constitution for the 
United States of America." In defense of this our heroes fell. 
Absolutism had heretofore boasted of its strength, its efficiency' 

II 



82 

and its permanency. It had taunted popular Government witli 
weakness and insecurity. "Do these feeble fanatics fortify 
themselves ? Even that which they build, if a fox go up he 
shaU break down the wall." Monarchies were strong, Kepub- 
lics were weak. This was their boast and their jeer. But it is 
no longer. The successful overthrow of our great rebellion has 
taught the crowned heads of the world that '• we, the people," 
can make the stablest and mightiest Government that earth 
ever saw; that no other Government beneath the sun has within 
itself greater capacity for self-preservation than has been dis- 
played by the American Kepublic. Our stone wall has not 
fallen, though a thousand jackals have gone up over it. We 
have rebuilt the wall that had been thrown down — have revived 
the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish, and set up the 
doors upon the gates. One-half of the people have wrought 
in the work whilst the other half of them have held the spear 
and the shield. With one hand they builded and with the 
other fought, and at the end of the appointed days — though 
somewhat more than the ninety — the whole wall was joined 
together unto the half thereof with more completeness and 
symmetry than ever before; and as the monarchies beyond the 
sea witnessed the great achievement, they were much cast down 
in their own eyes. 

From the day that Johnson and Lee surrendered to Sherman 
and Grant, Europe knew this was the stablest power on the 
face of the earth ! The proof of this is not to be questioned; 
it is mathematical demonstration itself; the proof of figures 
that cannot well deceive us. There is no more delicate and 
sensitive test of such questions, than is furnished by the gold 
thermometer. And following hard after the conquest of the 
rebellion came the assassination of the Chief Magistrate, an 
event which in any monarchy in Europe would have been 
marked by a most sudden and rapid fall of their public stocks 
in the markets of the world. But what of American bonds in 
London and Paris, Frankfort and Vienna?. They scarcely 
depreciated a penny to the pound ! 



83 

Henceforward it will not be questioned that an intelligent 
people are competent to govern themselves, and to maintain a 
national integrity despite rebellion at home and neutrality 
proclamations away from home. From this time the words of 
Sir William Jones will have even wider acceptance than ever 
before: 

" What constitutes a State? 

Not high-raised battlements 'or labored mound, 
Thick wall or moated gate ; 

Not cities pi'oud, with spires and turrets crowned. 
Not bays and broad-armed ports 

Where, laughing at the storm, rich navies ride ; 
Not starred and spangled courts, 

Where low-brow 'd baseness wafts perfume to pride ! 
No ! — men, high-mmded men, 

Men who their duties know. 
But know their rights, and, knowing, dare maintain, — 

Prevent the long-aimed blow. 
And crush the tyrant while they rend the chain ! 

These constitute a State. " 

It has been demonstrated that a large standing army is not 
necessary to the exigencies of popular government. When the 
time comes which calls for men and money, they shall not be 
wanting. Hosts of the bravest will rush to their country's de- 
fense in the hour of its peril. At the tap of the drum, hun- 
dreds in every town will spring to their feet, and, shouting, 
"Here am I, send me," will seize their guns and fly with 
alacrity to the scene of deadly strife. 

A government whose bulwarks are made strong by the wil- 
ling hearts and ready hands of its own loving sons — rejoicing 
ever to do and to die in its defense — such government may 
mock at its foes. The elements of power and endurance are 
in it. Talk of Imperialism, of a royal house-hold, and of a 
blooded and titled aristocracy on American soil! Such plants 
will never thrive here. One blast of a sweeping nor'wester 
would wither them to their roots' ends. Whoever would 
amuse himself by the culture of such exotics, must nurture 
them carefully in the hot-bed of his own fevered brain, and 
shut them out from the sunlight of American intelligence, and 
the bracing air of this free North. They would never bear 



84 

transplanting. "With only the sickliest growth in the nursery 
of these wild fanatics even; outside of that, they would en- 
counter instant blasting and mildew. Liberty's strong tree 
flourishes here. It is indigenous to American soil. It thrives 
on the rocks of New England, and on the mountain tops of 
Pennsylvania and Tennessee. The winds which sweep across 
the Northern Lakes fan its lungs into the largeness of a vig- 
orous life, so that even its leaves are for the healing of the Na- 
tion. It grows luxuriantly by the side of stUl waters in Mich- 
igan, and strikes its roots deep into the broad prairies of the 
Mississippi Valley. This is its home; but Imperialism is at 
best a miserable house-plant, and, thank Heaven, found in but 
few houses at that. 

For no such wretched end did our heroes die. In their last 
will and testament, sealed with their blood, they have be- 
queathed to us, as their dying legacy, a Union, stronger, no- 
bler, freer than ever. " The blood of the martyrs is the seed 
of the church." By the gift of these men, and such as these, 
we have henceforth a more homogeneous country and a grander 
and higher civilization. 

The freedom-loving of all the nations stand to-day on the 
graves of our fallen heroes to do them the homage of grateful 
tears for the bright hopes that they have brought to desponding 
hearts, that yet there is a good time coming, when the blessing 
of constitutional government of the people, by the people, and 
for the people, shall be enjoyed wherever the sun shines over 
the face of the broad earth. 

Still more; it was in the interest of justice and freedom that 
these men fought and fell. It is much that they stood for 
their country's defense against the assaults of rebel hordes, 
who lifted their murderous hands to destroy the best govern- 
ment that the world had ever seen. But these men did even bet- 
ter than that. The traitorous hands that were raised to pluck 
down the flag, had wrought in the base work of building a gov- 
ernment whose corner-stone was to be the absolutest despotism 
known to man. Rebellion has sometimes been in the line of 



85 

justice — sometimes in the line of human advancement and 
freedom. But this, for the overthrow of which these men 
gave up their lives, was in no such line. They had underta- 
ken to move back the pointer on the dial of the world's pro- 
gress, more than fifteen degrees. Their march was backwards 
to barbarism. But the Divine voice had uttered itself from on 
high: "Speak unto the children of Israel that they go for- 
ward ! " And though it was through the Red Sea, the voice 
must be obeyed. Reform only recedes when, in God's book of 
doom, a nation's destiny is sealed — only when the hand-writing 
appears on the wall: "Mene, Mene Tekel, Upharsin — God 
hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it. Thou art weighed 
in the scales and found wanting. Thy power is broken, and 
given to others." 

These men wrought better than they thought. The stone 
which the builders rejected is become the head-stone of the 
corner; and it fell to their honored hands and yours to Uft to 
its place on the summit, where it catches the first beams of the 
morning — reflects back again to the last departing ray of the 
evening, and attracts the gaze of every beholder. 

There is no other word quite so glorious in human speech as 
that word Liberty — no other sentiment quite so inspiring 
to human hearts as that expressed by its silvery notes: 

"Go, let the cage, with grates of gold 
And pearly roof, the eagle hold ; 
Let dainty viands be his fare, 
And give the captive tenderest care. 
But say, in luxury's limits pent, 
Find you the king of birds content ? 
No ! Ofl he'll sound the startling shriek, 
And dash the grates with angry beak. 
Precarious freedom 's far more dear 
Than all the prison's pampering cheer, 
lie longs to see his eyrie's seat — 

Lone cliff on ocean's lonely shore. 
Whose bare old tops the tempests beat, 

Around whose base the billows roar. 
Or rise through tempest shrouded air, 

All thiclc and dark, with wild winds swelling, 
To brave the lightning's lurid glare. 

Or talk with thunders in their dwelling." 

Such is that proud bird whom we have appointed to hold in 



86 

his beak the streamer which symbolizes to the world our Amer- 
ican Independence. He flies high — his sharp eye sees afar. 
Now he plants himself on the mountain summit; now he leaves 
behind him the murky cloud and bathes in the serener light 
above. Let our loved America be ever as free as this bird of 
the mountains, which we have chosen as our national emblem. 

No need of any more of that humiliation. That stinging 
taunt of jealous despots is forever at an end. No more shall 
they be permitted to mock when our fear cometh. ** They that 
take the sword shall perish with the sword." Slavery did it, 
and died in the unholy war which she had so audaciously be- 
gun. We are not of the mourners to drop a single tear over 
the grave of this enchanting sorceress. Liberty is the heaven- 
robed virgin whose hand we kiss; and she lives ! — lives in per- 
ennial youth and beauty — lives to wear the robes of a true 
royalty, and with such a queenly grace that all the hosts of 
the struggling shout with enrapturing ecstacy, " Viva Liberte ! 
viva I'America ! " Before her gracious sceptre all bow with a 
ready homage, rejoicing that now her domain has extended, so 
that she reigns without a rival where the Ohio and the Missis- 
sippi sweep their majestic waters; reigns along the shores of 
the Tennessee and the Alabama, the Potomac and the Savan- 
nah equally as by the banks of the Connecticut and the Hud- 
son, the Penobscot and the Alleghany. "This is the Lord's 
doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes." But to these palsied 
hands, over whose resting place you drop your flowers to-day, 
it was given to do the last carving upon this beautiful gate of 
our Liberty's proud temple. 

You come with no revenge in your hearts, even toward those 
whom you met on the field of blood. To the penitent among 
them, you may say, as Joseph to his brethren — " Be not angry 
with yourselves; ye indeed meant it for evil, but God meant it 
for good." To those who would still plot to do again the evil 
of the past, in view of their powerlessness and madness, you 
may utter the Divine prayer, — "Father, forgive them, they 
know not what they do ! " 



87 

My task for the hour is a brief one. It is soon done. A 
delightsome task it is to rehearse the parts which our brave 
boys were called to act in the great drama of our Nation's life. 
When our Tree of Liberty had begun to wither, and dead and 
dying branches presented to us on every side their unsightly 
forms, these were the men to water its roots with their blood, 
until it should revive into greenness and beauty and symmetry 
again. 

A legend has come to us of the early days of our revolution- 
ary history, of a plot to blow up an arsenal situated in the 
midst of a New England village. The enemy had in the early 
night laid a train of powder to a distance of two miles away. 
This train was discovered by a brave patriot upon the very 
instant of its explosion, with only time to throw himself across 
the track of the line of fire. To think it, was to do it. The 
flashing flame was arrested by his body — the plot had failed; a 
thousand lives were saved, though he had died to save them. 
Such is the acknowledgment which we make to-day of the 
uncanceled debt which we who live owe to those whose mem- 
ories we honor by the sweet flowers which we scatter above 
them. 

And scarcely less beautiful than the gorgeous flowers, is the 
bright banner which their living hands bore, and which yours 
carry still. That banner I greet to-day ! All hail to the 
Nation's flag ! Behold it ! 

" When freedom from her mountain height 

Unfurled her standard to the air, 
She tore the azure robe of night 

And set the Stars of glory there. 

She mingled with its gorgeous dyes 
The milky baldric of the skies, 
And striped its pure celestial white 
With strealdngs of the morning light ; 
Then from his mansion in the sun 
She called her eagle bearer down. 
And gave into his mighty hand 
The symbol of her chosen land. 
* * * * 

Flag of the free heart's hope and home ! 

By angel liands to valor given : 
Thy stars have lit the welkin dome, 

And all thv hues were born in heaven. 



Forever float that standard sheet ! 

Where breathes the foe but falls before us, 
With freedom's soil beneath our feet, 

And freedom's banner streaming o'er us?" 

CLOSING CEREMONIES. 

At the concluBion of the address, which was received with 
that homage which deep feeUng pays to oloquence under such 
circumstances, the final ode, written by E. P. Nowell, was sung 
by the audience to the tune of " Old Hundred." 

The benediction was then pronounced by Chaplain Seage, 
and the procession reformed for the purpose of marching in 
the avenues adjacent to the plots of ground laid out for the 
dead soldiers. 

There are 73 buried in one spot, and there are also about 40 
graves of soldiers in various parts of Elmwood. As the pro- 
cession moved the band struck up a solemn dirge. Four 
detachments, each composed of four boys and eight girls, then 
moved from the stand in various courses, and scattered the 
bouquets of flowers on the graves. Many of the floral orna- 
ments were exquisite in taste and were elaborate. Some of the 
monuments over prominent soldiers or ofiicers were draped 
with the national flag, or otherwise decked with beautiful sym- 
bols of affection and regret. 

Taken all in all, there could not have been a more feeling 
tribute paid by a people, composed of all classes, than that of 
Saturday. There was no disturbance or noise, all was hushed 
and still in reverent honor of the dead. Nothing whatever 
marred the scene at the cemetery, and the whole assemblage 
quietly dispersed at the conclusion of the exercises, so soberly 
and thoughtfully that it was impossible to think they had not 
been in a measure purified by the contact with the honored dead. 

One gentleman and lady came from Chicago to see the grave 
of their son properly decorated; an old lady, more than sixty 
years of age, came over 100 miles to see the grave of her son 
decorated, and many others came from a distance to attend the 
ceremonies, and all were much pleased at witnessing the loving 
care of the memory of their sons and brothers exhibited by 
their former comrades. 



89 

SERVICES OF MAY 30TH. 

On Sunday, the 30fch, appropriate Memorial Sermons were 
preached in nearly all the Protestant Churches of the city. 
The Germans decided to observe this day by appropriate cere- 
monies, on the ground that, being the 30th of May, — the day 
set apart as Memorial Day, — it was proper that it should be 
observed. The weather, however, interfered materially with 
their programme. Rain fell throughout the early part of the 
day, and was still falling at the hour named for the commence- 
ment of the exercises, rendering the proposed proceedings at 
the cemetery well nigh impracticable, and they were aban- 
doned. So far as relates to the processsion and oration, the 
programme was carried out. The company assembled at one 
o'clock, at Turner's Hall, on Sherman street, near Eussell, and 
the procession started at two. Lucker's band was in the ad- 
vance, followed by the various societies in the order named, to 
wit: Freie Turners' Society; Concordia Society; members of 
German "Working Men's Aid Society; Social Turn Verein Soci- 
ety. The route was up Russell street to Gratiot, down Gratiot 
to Monroe avenue, down the latter to Campus Martins, down 
Fort to First, down First to Jefferson avenue, thence up to 
Randolph, up Randolph to Croghan, up Croghan to Eivard, up 
Rivard to Clinton, up Clinton to Russell, and thence back to 
the Hall. The procession was under charge of the officers 
respectively of the several organizations, and was conducted in 
fine order. Next followed the oration, by Mr. L. Klemm, Pro- 
fessor in the German American Seminary, on Lafayette street. 
It was a fine effort, embodying a graphic view of the war from 
its first inception; the difficulties experienced by the Govern- 
ment at the outset; the sacrifices of the patriot heroes who 
ralUed to the vindication of national sovereignty and unity; 
and closed with an eloquent tribute to the memory of those 
who laid down their lives for their country. After the oration, 
the choir of the Concordia Society sang the popular and 
spirited German song, " Fahneneid," or the " Oath to the 
Colors," which closed the exercises. 
12 



90 

GIBARD. 

Saturday afternoon, May 29 th, '69, at the appointed hour, 
the people assembled at the M. E. Church in this village, and 
under the direction of the Marshal proceeded to the cemetery, 
on the west prairie, where several of the soldiers are buried. 
Prayer, singing, and decorating the graves completed the cere- 
monies there; then the procession moved to the other cemetery, 
and after marching to each grave and depositing flowers, they 
marched to the orchard belonging to J. C. Corbus, Esq., where 
they had appropriate singing, and an oration by Dr. Clizbe, in 
which he did credit not only to himself, but the soldiers who 
lost their lives for their country and are now sleeping where 
their graves will be annually decorated with the choicest of 
flowers. Rev. Mr. Ware then paid a fine tribute to the mem- 
ory of those soldiers who fell and were buried far from home 
and friends. 

The decorating committee consisted of twelve young ladies, 
and the ceremonies were conducted without any attempt at 
show or splendor, and the length of the procession gave evi- 
dence of the interest taken by the people of Girard on this 
memorial occasion. 

At a meeting of the citizens held on June 2d, '69, for the 
purpose of making arrangements for the Memorial Service, the 
question of erecting a monument to the memory of our deceased 
soldiers arose, and the meeting proceeded to organize, what is 
to be known as the Girard Soldier's Monument Association. 
The following is a list of officers elected : Rev. Wm. H. Ware, 
President; S. E. Lawrence and Miss Rose VanBlarcum, Vice 
Presidents; Geo. A. Russell, Secretary; Miss Irene Smith, 
Assistant Secretary, and Miss Eliza Day, Treasurer. 

A Board of Trustees were also appointed, and a committee 
to draft resolutions and by-laws for the Association. They are 
determined to raise funds and erect a monument before the 
next anniversary, on which will be inscribed the name, rank, 
company, and regiment of every soldier who died from Girard, 



91 

whether buried here or elsewhere. There are thirty-four in all; 
twelve are buried here, and the rest are sleeping where they 
fell, on Southern soil. 



GRAND RAPIDS. 

On Sunday, May 30th, 1869, for the first time in this city, 
the beautiful rite of strewing with flowers the graves of those 
who lost their lives in the military service of the nation, was 
generally observed, as recommended by the Commander-in- 
Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic. Probably over three 
thousand people were present at the different Cemeteries, and 
witnessed or took part in the ceremonies. It is hard to make 
a correct estimate of the numbers, which, great as they were, 
would doubtless have been more than double had the day been 
pleasant. The utmost decorum was observed throughout the 
entire proceedings, which seemed in all respects to harmonize 
with the day and the occasion. 

The morning was misty and damp, and at nine o'clock it 
commenced to rain, and until about noon the clouds " wept in 
tears of gentlest rain," and again in the afternoon a soaking 
shower of an hour or more in duration took place at the hour 
when ceremonies were in progress at three of the Cemeteries. 
The general and concluding exercises of the day in the Fulton 
street Cemetery at five o'clock p. m., were hardly concluded 
when a pouring rain scattered the grand assembly of people. 

GREENWOOD CEMETERY. 

The people on the west side of the river where the cemetery 
is situated, had held meetings and made ample arrangements 
for the beautiful rite in which they were to engage. The 
soldier's committee, consisting of Col. T. Foote, Adjutant E. O. 
Stevens, Capt. J. W. Williamson, Capt. Alexander Milmine, 
Lieut. A. Yates, Capt. E. F. Covell and Capt. Jam^ Eobinson, 



92 

met at Engine House No. 3, at one o'clock p. m., and 
accompanied by about twenty other soldiers, marched to the 
Cemetery, a distance of about two miles, quite a procession 
of citizens in carriages, going with them. Arrived there 
they found and covered with flowers the graves of seven 
soldiers. After this was done, a hymn was sung by Mr. H. G. 
Porter, Mr. Shattuck and Mr. Stephens, and then Kev. W. B. 
Sutherland led in a beautiful and appropriate prayer. At the 
conclusion of the prayer another hymn was sung by the trio of 
singers. The gathering was quite large, notwithstanding the 
very inauspicious character of the weather, and flowers were 
there in superabundance. 

OAK HILL CEMETERY. 

The following named members of the soldier's committee 
met at the National Hotel at two o'clock p. m., and proceeded 
in carriages to the Cemetery: Col. E. S. Pierce,' Maj. M. D. 
Birge, Col. Van E. Young, Maj. F. J. Fairbrass, Capt. H. N. 
Moore, Capt. G. W. Remington, Col. H. E. Thompson and J. 
D. Dillenback. They were accompanied by Rev. L. J. Fletcher, 
and also by Mr. H. Dean, who was assistant sexton at the time 
most of the soldiers were buried, and knew the locality of their 
graves. 

An abundance of beautiful flowers had been generously pro- 
vided by the ladies, and every head-board was decorated with 
a wreath or bouquet, and the graves nearly covered with their 
floral oflferings. A brisk shower commenced just as the com- 
mittee arrived at the Cemetery, and, as it showed no signs of 
immediate abatement, after waiting for a few minutes, the Rev. 
Mr. Fletcher, in a brief, but most eloquent address, spoke of 
the occasion of the gathering and the purpose it ought to serve 
in stimulating our patriotism. As he commenced speaking, 
the flood-gates of heaven were opened and the rain poured 
down harder than at any other time during the day. But he 
kept on, and the little band around him, most of whom had 
faced the leaden shower of rebel bullets and endured years of 



93 

exposure to sun and storm in campaigns against the rebellion, 
were electrified by his words — earnest, heartfelt, christian words 
— worthy of the assembly, the man, his sacred office and the 
solemn occasion. He alladed to the day, the holy Sabbath on 
which Christ, our Kedeemer, rose from the dead, and said it 
was fitting on this day to visit the graves of those to whom we 
owe so much, and strew them with flowers, for, as Christ rose 
from the dead, we believe that for them also is a glorious im- 
mortality, and if it is permitted from spirits above to view 
what is done upon the earth, we might hope that they were look- 
ing down from heaven, approvingly, upon the action, and our 
motives. He said that the most potent agency to preserve 
national harmony was the fostering of a spirit of devotion to 
the flag of our country, and cherishing with love and gratitude 
the memory of its defenders who gave their lives that the 
nation might live. After the conclusion of his speech he led 
in a short and appropriate prayer, after which the committee 
placed the flowers on the graves. Sixty-five graves were deco- 
rated, and the head-boards of a large number of them bore 
the words " U. S. Soldiers, unknown." The record of these 
graves is said to be in existence somewhere, so that all of them 
may be identified. TVe sincerely hope that such is the case, 
and that it will be done. Some lady, the committee could not 
ascertain whom, had provided many beautiful wreaths and 
crosses "for the graves of the unknown soldiers," and they 
were placed accordingly. 

There were two fine gravestones, and at the grave of Geo. J. 
S. Chesebro, a beautiful monument. Four graves of unknown 
soldiers were found in the " Potter's I'ield " and left bright with 
tokens of remembrance. 

Notwithstanding the heavy rain, a number of ladies were 
present in carriages. Mr. N. L. Avery and wife, Mr. A. R 
Judd and family, Silas Pierce, Esq., Judge Eobinson and others, 
were there in the rain to honor the memory of the known and 
unknown soldiers. 



94 

After the exercises of the day were all concluded the com- 
mittee of soldiers, whose names are given above, held a meeting 
at Major Birge's, when the following resolution was passed: 

Hesolved, That, not forgetting any who furnished flowers, we 
hereby express our sincere and especial thanks to the lady, 
unknown to us, who arranged and gave the beautiful wTeaths 
and crosses of flowers for the graves of the unknown soldiers. 

CATHOLIC CEMETERY. 

The committee appointed by the soldiers, headed by Capt. 
Coffinberry, Chairman, proceeded to the Catholic cemetery at 3 
o'clock p. M., and met but few ladies and gentlemen, owing to 
the unpropitious state of the weather. We learn that a larger 
number were assembled at St. Mary's Church, but were pre- 
vented from attending by the rain. 

The ceremonies were commenced by a short speech by Capt. 
Coflanberry, followed by Col. N. A. Eeed, Jr. Then the graves 
were fully decorated with flowers, during which ceremony all 
were uncovered, while Capt. Coffinberry ponounced the formula 
over the grave. 

After this sad ceremony had been performed all came together 
in a central position, where Lt. Adolph Campau read the 
hymn written by J. D. Dillenback for the day, and Col. N. A. 
Reed, Jr., read the following: 

DECOBATIOK HYMN, MAY SOTH— By Samcel Bubnham. 

They rest from the conflict, their labor is ended, 
Their battles are fought and their victories gained ; 

Their spirits heroic to God have ascended, 
Their memory is left us with honor unstained. 

Beneath the green sod their bodies are sleeping, 
Above them in beauty the dewy grass waves ; 

While comrades this day are sacredly keeping, 
And strewing with flowers their glorious graves. 

We know that our flowers will wither and perish, 

Our flags, too, will droop in the still summer air ; 
But deep in our hearts their memory we'll cherish, 
■ With love that the passing years ne'er will impair. 



95 

To us is the weeping, while theirs is the glorj' ; 

From danger and duty they ne'er turned aside ; 
Heroic their deeds and immortal their story, — 

They fought for their coimtry, and conquering, died. 

No longer they listen the tramp of the legions 
That steadily marched to the field of the dead ; 

From East and fi-orn "West, and from far distant regions. 
Resistless in numbers and firm in their tread. 

No angel of death o'er the battle-field bending. 

With skeleton finger is pointing his prey ; 
Our God heard the prayers of the nation ascending. 

And turned our dark midnight of horror to day. 

O, God of our fathers, O, God of om' nation, 

Their faith was unwavering, their trust was in Thee ; 
Thou gav'st them the victory, to our land gave salvation, 
And smiled once again on the home of the free. 

Yes, honor and glory for them are eternal, 
The nation they ransomed their memory will keep ; 

Fame 's flowers immortal will bloom ever vernal 
O'er the gi-aves whei'e our heroes in glory now sleep. 

The exercise concluded by Lt. Adolph Campau leading in 
prayer according to the usages of the Church — 5 Peters, 5 
Aves, Lord's Prayer, Hail Mary, and The Kequiem. 

GENERAL EXERCISES AT FULTON STREET CEMETERY. 

The general and concluding exercises of the day took place 
at this cemetery at 5 o'clock p. u. A procession of soldiers 
under command of Gen. W. P. Innes, preceded by the Valley 
City Brass Band discoursing solemn music, marched from Luce's 
Hall, where they made their rendezvous and were supphed with 
flowers, to the cemetery and formed in a hollow square sur- 
rounding the grave of Eev. Dr. Francis H. Cuming, who was 
Chaplain of the Third Michigan Infantry, and the thousands of 
people present gathered around them as thickly as they could 
stand. Inside the square were the clergy, the quartette club, 
and the speaker. 

The following order of exercises was observed : 



96 

1. Dirge — Valley City Brass Band. 

2. Prayer— Rev. J. P. Tustin, D. D. 

Many hearts prayed with him, as with moving solemnity he 
besought the blessing of God on our nation, built up and pre- 
served by the sacrifice of so many heroic lives. 

3. Hymn — " The Evergreen Shore." 

By a quartette club consisting of the following named lady 
and gentlemen: Mrs. Patten, Mr. D. R. Utley, Mr. J. G. Hos- 
tetter and Mr. Osgood. 

4. Address by Col. Geo. Gray, 6tli Mich. Cavalry. 

The speaker stepped to the centre of the square and stood 
silent for a minute or two, as though overpowered by emotion. 
Then he began his discourse by describing the sacred ties of 
loving memoi'y that bind us to the dead. The honor that we 
pay the memory of our own departed friends is not a duty, bvit 
the simple dictate of nature. Toward those whose graves we 
now cover with flowers those emotions are heightened by the 
knowledge that their lives were given for us. He spoke of the 
Sabbath morning in April, 1861, when the telegraph flashed 
over the land the news that traitors had fired on the flag of 
our country in Charleston Bay, and of the glorious uprising of 
loyal men who left their business, their homes and friends, and 
sprang to the defense of the Union at the first call. He pictured 
their noble deeds, and the fate that befel so many of them on 
the battle field, in hospitals, or, perchance, after they came 
home to die in the arms of their friends. In whatever way they 
died it was for their country. The address closed with a sub- 
lime appeal to the patriotism of our citizens to maintain unim- 
paired the dear bought liberties we enjoy. 

5. An Original Hymn. 

Written for the occasion by one of the soldiers present — 
pubHshed on the day previous by both the city papers, and 
1,000 copies distributed on the programmes — was read by Eev. 
A. J. Eldred, and sung by the audience present, led by the 
quartette club. 

6. Benediction— Rev. J. Morgan Smith. 

At the close of the services, the soldiers started to march to 



97 

all the graves previously marked with small flags, but when 
two had been visited, the rain made it advisable to separate, 
and send a detail to each grave, which was accordingly done. 
The number of graves, as ascertained by the committee, was 
twenty-three. 

After the people left the grounds, and most of them had 
reached their homes, a beautiful rainbow spanned the eastern 
sky for several minutes just before sunset — a fitting close for 
a day of such ceremonies. 



HASTINGS. 



Sunday, May 30th, being the day set apart for paying a trib- 
ute of respect to the memory of the soldiers who fell in the 
great struggle for freedom in the war of the rebelHon, a due 
observance of the occasion was had by the citizens of this 
place. 

The hour of three in the afternoon had been designated as 
the time for assembling at the cemetery, but a drizzling rain 
that commenced a Httle after noon, delayed the proceedings 
for nearly an hour, the weather proving quite inauspicious for 
carrying out the programme. And yet there seemed a fitness 
in the falling rain, emblematic of the shedding of tears o'er 
the graves of our dead soldiers. It seemed as though the very 
heavens united in paying the last sad honors to the departed 
by bedewing the sod that shrouded them in their last resting 
place with the gUttering drops of the genial shower. Most 
propitiously did the rain storm cease at about four o'clock, 
when quite a large concourse of our citizens wended their way 
to the silent repository of the dead. 

The exercises were commenced by an appropriate prayer by 
the Eev. A. P. Moors, of the M. E. Church, after which an ex- 
cellent and touching address was dehvered by the Rev. T. L. 
Pillsbery, late Chaplain of the 21st Michigan Infantry. 
13 



98 

The speaker held his audience in breathless silence while he 
discoursed upon the occasion that had brought us together, 
pointing out the benefits resulting to us as a nation by the 
self-sacrificing spirit that bore our starry flag from victory to 
victory, and traced the hand of Providence in the great strug- 
gle that crowned our arms with the success that insures us a 
permanent and abiding peace. In concluding, the speaker 
paid a beautiful tribute to the memory of the fallen brave who 
had laid their lives a sacrifice on their country's altar. 

The brass band, stationed in the middle of the grounds, then 
played a suitable dirge, while scores of children strewed beau- . 
tiful bouquets and wreaths of wild flowers o'er the graves of 
the noble dead, each grave being designated by small Amer- 
ican flags floating at the head of the mound. A death-like si- 
lence marked the exercises of the hour, which was only broken 
by the plaintive notes of the solemn music, and the sobs of 
friends and relatives as they bent over the grassy mounds that 
marked the abode of a husband, a father, or a brother. Tears 
commingled with the rain-drops, and heart-felt sympathy went 
from breast to breast, as sighs were wafted on the breeze. 

Old Hundred was then played by the band, and the audience 
were dismissed with the benediction. 

The occasion was one of great interest, and will long be 
cherished in our memories. 



99 

HILLSDALE. 

The ceremony of decorating the soldiers' graves, took place 
in this city on Saturday, May 29th. At an early hour the citi- 
zens of the city and surrounding country began to congregate 
at the Court House in large numbers, each bringing beautiful 
bouquets, woven from the choicest flowers of spring, to be 
strewn u^Don the graves of those gallant, heroic men, who, in 
the hour of their country's peril, when the pulsations of the 
national heart grew still in awful suspense, lest with the next 
breath the great experiment of human liberty throughout the 
world, in the overthrow and death of the American Rei)ublic, 
should be no more; forgot the ties of consanguinity, and lay- 
ing aside the peaceful avocations of civil life, buckled on their 
armor and sallied forth to mingle in the stern realities of war, 
and fell a bleeding sacrifice upon the altar of their country, 
bequeathing in their deaths to the present and future genera- 
tions of America, the rich legacy of civil and religious liberty. 
The procession formed at 9 o'clock a. m., in Court House yard, 
under the direction of Gen. C. J. Dickerson, Marshal of the 
Day, assisted by Capt. Wm. H. Tallman, and marched to the 
old Cemetery, to do honor to the soldiers buried there. On 
approaching the Cemetery, the Hillsdale City Band struck up 
a funeral dirge. After the graves had been decorated a piece 
of music was sung by the choir, with melodeon accompani- 
ment, which was followed by a touching and pathetic supplica- 
tion to the Divine Father, by Rev. Mr. Parker, of the M. K 
Church, after which another piece of music was discoursed by 
the choir. The procession then marched back to the Court 
House, the band in the mean time rendering music appropriate 
to the occasion. 

After resting a few minutes, the procession was reformed 
and took up its line of march for Oak Grove Cemetery, in 
which a much larger number of soldiers are buried than in the 
old Cemetery, the procession being a half or three-fourths of 
a mile in length. The approach here was the same as before. 



100 

the band playing a funeral dirge. After the several graves had 
been decorated, a piece of music entitled " Decoration Day," 
composed expressly for the occasion, was sung by the choir, 
which was followed by an impressive i^rayer by Rev. R. Dunn, 
each word of which in its awful earnestness seemed to breathe 
of Divinity, and made one feel that though he stood surrounded 
by the silent habitations of the dead, yet he was in the pres- 
ence of the Living God and of angels. The prayer was fol- 
lowed with music by the choir, at the close of which Capt. 
Albert Dickerman, orator of the day, took the stand and com- 
menced speaking in a very clear and eloquent manner, but a 
thunder storm coming on he Was obHged to desist after speak- 
ing but a few moments, and the crowd of participants in order 
to get out of the rain, took the quickest and most expeditious 
course to get back into the city. 

Taking the occasion altogether, it was one of which every 
soldier and citizen may well be proud, as in point of numbers 
and devotion, it showed that the people of Hillsdale county 
have not, and will not forget the services of their gallant dead. 



101 

LANSING. 

oom:m:em:ok^tio]v r>A.Y. 

MAT, 1869. 

BY MISS HAKEIET SMEAD. 

A golden sky, a world of beauty, 
Bright with blossoms and green with leaves. 

We wandering 'mid its marvelous mazes. 
Binding the blossoms in beautiful sheaves. 

Deftly twining them into garlands ; 
Weaving them into rare bouquets : 

Frail blossoms, pure as the prayers of cherubs, 
With an incense sweeter than songs of praise. 

Over thehiUs, with the sun descending, 
Slowly we go to the home of the dead ; 

The angel of Peace above us bending, 
Parteth the willow wherever we tread. 

Over the hills to the silent city, 
God He knoweth our hearts are true ; 

Around the graves of our heroes kneeling. 
Heaven above and their dust below. 

Our fallen soldiers, we kneel around them. 
With reverent fingers we deck their tombs ; 

Drop by drop was their life-blood given, 
To save unto us our precious homes. 

Our country's honor, our country's banner. 
Safe they bore through the blazing lines ; 

For them doth Liberty sing high anthems, 
And their graves are a grateful nation's shrines. 



102 

For them the Heavens have heard our wailings, 
For them the day beheld our tears ; 

Theirs be the shrmes for votive garlands 
Forevermore through the coming years. 

In the temple of Freedom, before its altar, 
We kneel together side by side ; 

Yet well we know that temple had fallen, 
Except for those grand lives crucified. 

Then sacred this day to Columbia's martyrs, 
Make lovely the graves of the noble slain ; 

May freemen never their heritage barter, 
Nor Freedom's altar with treason stain. 



PROCLAMATION OF THE MAYOR. 

On Saturday, the 29th of May, the memory of the gallant men who 
went out from our midst, and died in battle, or from disease, the result 
of hardship and exposure, is to be honored by decorating their graves 
with flowers, and other tokens of remembrance. It is right that by our 
presence and sympathy we should testify to their worth as citizens, to 
their heroic bravery as soldiers, and give evidence of our sorrow that we 
shall know them on earth no more. In this hour of peace and prosper- 
ity, all should honor those who reflected honor upon us and our city, in 
the day when the national life was in danger, by preserving and main- 
taining it intact and unbroken. They will not come back to us, but the 
noble work they have done remains to stimulate us to emulate their 
glorious deeds, and to ever honor their memory. 

In accordance with the resolution adopted by the members of Post 
Greene, Grand Army Republic, of this city, and at the request of many 
citizens, I herewith issue my proclamation, most urgently requesting the 
citizens of Lansing, as befitting the occasion, to close their places of bus- 
iness from half-past one to four p. m., on Saturday afternoon, and to 
participate in the ceremonies of the day. 

Given imder my hand, at Lansing, on the 26th day of May, A. D. 1869. 

CYRUS HEWITT, Mayor. 



103 

The ceremonies in this city, which were held under the di- 
rection of Post Greene, G. A. R., Comrade E. H. Porter, Senior 
Vice and Acting Commander, were peculiarly appropriate, and 
were largely attended, not only by residents of the city, but by 
people from neighboring towns; some who had been soldiers, 
and had stood bravely under the fire of shot and shell, coming 
more than twenty miles to join in the ceremonies. Long be- 
fore noon the city w^s filled with strangers, and just before 
the hour of twelve a national salute gave notice to all that the 
exercises would not be postponed, as had been previously 
decided upon, owing to the storm of several days' duration. 

In accordance with the proclamation of Mayor Hewitt, most 
of the business houses were closed, although several were too 
much interested in the acquisition of a stray dollar or two, to 
heed the request. 

The procession formed at three o'clock p. m., headed by the 
Reform School Band, who were dressed in a new and tasty 
uniform. Fifteen ladies had been selected to distribute the 
flowers, many of whom were wives, sisters, or daughters of 
those who gave their lives for their country during the rebel- 
lion. These ladies headed the wagons in line, and were fol- 
lowed by not less than two hundred carriages and double 
teams. The band, on foot, were followed by the members of 
Post Greene, G. A. R., and other soldiers, and the firemen of 
the city, over one hundred strong, in uniform, and bearing the 
National banner, were also in line. Several hundred citizens 
on foot closed the procession, which made a fine and imposing 
appearance. On reaching the cemetery, several hundred peo- 
ple were already upon the ground, and the whole number 
present could not have been lees than two thousand. 

A beautiful cenotaph had been erected upon the hill on the 
western side of the cemetery, which was tastefully entwined with 
evergreens, flowers, and the National flag. Upon the base of 
this cenotaph, were the names of many soldiers who enlisted 
in this city, and fell in the field, or died in hospital, or the 
prison pens of the South, and whose bodies lie unnoticed and 



104 

unknown, far from home and friends. The following comprise 
the names of this list, which is by no means complete, as there 
was neither time nor means of gaining fall and accurate 
information : 

Elisha Han-ingtou, A. C. Winter, 

Thomas Perry, Capt. Geo. Ellis, 

Frederick Terrell, Charles Foster, 

William Alexander, E. F. Siverd, 

Lt. Jerome Beardsley, Major Smith, 

Capt. JefiFers, Henry MeyW, 

Capt. Mason, Cyrus W. Coiyell, 

Daniel Shattuck, Mathew Patrick, 

Samuel Dowell, Capt. J. B. LaflFerty, 

Silas Beebe, John Schleicher, 

Lieut. William Greene, W. T. Hogfin, 

Peter Van Etter, J. E. EUiott, 

Edwin Lathrop, Silas Thurston, 

Thomas Cronk, Farrell Conley, 

Milo Smith, Thomas Davenport, 

John A. Douglas, Charles Church, 

Augustus Steams, James A. Ballard, 

C. Haverland, Calvin B. Holmes, 

Frazer F. Smalley, William Agard, 

R. D. Wheeler, Burt Hudson, 

J. Sister, I. Sweeny, 

Mark Child, H. C. Guest. 

Upon the four sides of the base of the monument were the 
following inscriptions: 

' ' We died that our Country might Live. " 
" Remember our Children. " 
" Honor to our Absent Ones." 
"Died in Battle." 

Immediately upon the arrival of the procession at the Ceme- 
tery, after an appropriate prayer by the Kev. W. H. Perrine, 
the decoration of the graves took place, under the direction of 
E. H. Porter, Commandant of the Post, Over sixty veteran 
soldiers, many of them scarred and disabled, joined in this 
token of grateful remembrance. Upon each tomb-stone was 
hung an evergreen wreath by. the young ladies, who first scat- 
tered flowers upon the tomb, and then each soldier added his 
flower tribute. At each grave thus decorated (thirteen in all) 
was a tablet, giving name of the deceased and battles in which 
he was engaged, and other known particulars. The cenotaph 



105 

and tablets, whicli were very beautiful and tasty, were designed 
by Major Abram Cottrell, of this city. 

The following gives the inscriptions and the names of the 
dead soldiers whose graves were honored: 

Mathew Elder, commissioned Capt. 8th Regiment Michigan Infantry, 
U. S. v., Aug. 12th, 1861. Commissioned by President, 1st Lieut. 11th 
Infantry U.S. A., Aug. 5th, 1863. Participated in the following engage- 
ments : Bombardment of Port Royal, battle of the Coosaw, and honor- 
ably mentioned by the Commanding General, I. I. Stevens ; bombard- 
ment of Fort Pulaski, ChancellorvUle, and Gettysburg, where he was 
mortally wounded and died near the battle-field. 

George D. Lathrop, enlisted Co. " B," 3d Regiment Michigan Infantry 
U. S. V.'s. Died Aug. 5th, 1864. 

William A. Calkins, enlisted Co. "A," 20th Regiment Michigan In- 
fantry U. S. v., Aug. 14th, 1863. 

Edgar Yawger, enlisted Co. " G," 12th Regiment Michigan Infantry 
U. S. V.'s. Participated in the battle of Shiloh. Died at home from 
disease caused by the explosion of a shell. 

Cephas B. Johnson, enlisted in 8th Regiment Michigan Infantry U. S. 

V.'s. DiedMay 31st, 1867. 

J. J. Whitman, commissioned 1st Lieutenant 2d Regiment Berdan 
Sharpshooters, and promoted Capt. at 2d battle Bull Run, Aug., 1863, 
and was mortally wounded at the battle of South Mountain, Sept., 1863. 

ElishaB. Mosher, enlisted in Co. "A," 20th Mich. Infantry U. S. 
Vol.'s Aug. 9th, 1862. Participated in the following engagements: 
Fredericksburg, Horse-Shoe Bend, Siege of Knoxville, Coal Harbor, 
Blue Sprmgs, Turkey Bend, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, and North Anna. 
Was taken prisoner Sept. 30th, 1864; remained in prison at Anderson- 
ville 4 months ; was paroled, came home, and soon died from effects of 
his imprisonment, April 17th, 1865. 

AsahelW. Nichols, commissioned Capt. 1st Regiment Michigan Sharp- 
shooters May 8th, 1863 ; promoted Major October 18th, 1864 ; promoted 
Lieut. Col. March 9th, 1865 ; brevetted Col. for conspicuous gallantry in 
the assault before Petersburgh, where he was severely wounded— died 
January 18th, 1866. 

A. H. P. Morehouse, enlisted in Co. " A," 20th Regiment Michigan 
Infantry U. S. V., Aug. 9th, 1862. Died in hospital at Alexandria, Va., 
Dec. 13th, 1862. 

Henry V. Hinckley, enlisted in Co. " A," 20th Rcgunent Michigan 

14 



106 

Infantry, Aug. 9th, 1862. Promoted 2cl Lieut. 1st Regiment Michigan 
Sharpshooters Feb. 19th, 1863. Promoted Captain Sept. 14th, 1864. 
Died in the spring of 1868. 

Edwin J. Lathrop, enlisted Co. " H," 5th Michigan Cavalry. Died 
March 21st, 1865. 

Artemas Baldwin, enlisted Co. " E," 8th Regiment Michigan Infantry 
U. S. V. Promoted through all the grades in the regular line of promo- 
tion up to Captain. Participated in the following engagements : Port 
Royal, Coosaw, Fort Pulaslii, James Island, 2d Bull Run, Antietam, 
Wilderness, Spottsylvania, and surrender of Petersburg. Came home 
with his Regiment at the close of the war. Died Dec, 1867. 

Charles S. Hunt, enlisted 2d Regiment Berdan's Sharpshooters ; was 
taken prisoner at the battle of the Wilderness ; imprisoned at Anderson- 
ville ; paroled, and died at Annapolis, Md., on his way home, from the 
effects of his imprisonment. 

EXEECISES AT THE STAND. 

At the conclusion of the decoration of the graves, the assem- 
bly congregated on the hillside sloping to the eastward from the 
base of the cenotaph, and forming a natural amphitheatre, at 
the foot of which in the centre was the speaker's stand. The 
exercises here were opened by an impressive and appropriate 
prayer by Rev. Geo. H. Hickox, after which the choir of young 
men under the lead and direction of Prof. Hintz, sang a 
beautiful ode. 

ORATION, BY COMRADE I. M. CRAVATH. 

Comrades and Friends: 

We are assembled to-day to honor by appropriate ceremo- 
nies, the memory of the nation's dead. 

The Romans were wont to place statues of their dead heroes 
in the porches and passage-ways of their dwelhngs, so that, 
day by day, when they went out and when they came in, when 
they sat down and when they rose up, marble forms might 
speak to them, in mute but impressive language, of the names 
and deeds of those whom they would have in perpetual 
remembrance. 



\ 



107 

By such memorial services as we witness on this occasion, 
the soldiers of the Repubhc would perpetuate the remem- 
brance of their fallen comrades; bound to them as they are by 
the recollections of common dangers and achievements, by 
friendships "born in peril, nourished by hardships, baptized 
in blood," and by the brotherhood of the cause and country 
which they laid down their lives to uphold. 

The pillars of a nation's power rest on the graves of its 
defenders. As " the blood of the martyr's is the seed of the 
church," so the bodies of brave men, sown thick in the furrows 
of war, are the seed from which springs national existence. 
In a land like ours, where the "common consent" must " pro- 
vide for the common defense," the patriotism of the people is 
the rock of the nation's strength. Without this, her domain, 
however broad, would be defenseless, and her resources, how- 
ever great, would be only the tempting prey of the spoiler. 

The test of patriotism is the readiness with which a people 
respond to the call of their country in her hour of danger, 
their endurance of trials and sacrifices in her behalf, and the 
bravery with which they meet and beat back her foes, on land 
and sea, in the trenches and " the imminent deadly breach." 

The patriotism exhibited by the American people, during 
the gigantic struggle which closed four years ago, has filled 
the world with wonder. Monarchists, profoundly convinced 
that the result of the great rebellion would be the dismember- 
ment of the great Eepublic, watched with grim satisfaction the 
humiliation which they supposed awaited the last great exper- 
iment of the people in the science of government — that study 
deemed only a fit occupation for kings. 

While praise is due in no stinted measure to all classes of 
the loyal people of this country, to those who poured their 
wealth into the nation's treasury, to those who gave their hus- 
bands, brothers and sons to their country's service, and proved 
in ten thousand ways, their patriotic devotion, yet her citizen 
soldiers are the crowning glory of the Eepublic. 



108 

While the cloud of war grew dark in the southern sky, send- 
ing forth the muttering thunder of the coming storm, while 
traitors in high places plotted treason, betraying our counsels, 
bankrupting our credit, surrendering to the enemy our hand- 
ful of an army, and scattering our fleet to the four quarters of 
the earth, our citizen soldiers, busy with the avocations of 
peaceful life, calmly waited the hour when their country called 
them to the rescue. "When that call came, how the mighty 
multitude rose up and swept on like ocean waves, white with 
the fury of the storm ! how their patriotism kindled at the dis- 
graceful rout at Bull's Kun, survived the murder at Ball's 
Bluff, the disastrous defeats of the Peninsular campaign, and 
the bloody carnage of Chickamauga; how they stemmed the 
tide of rebel victories, and rolled back defeat on the foe at 
Antietam, at Shiloh, at Stone River, at Winchester and at Get- 
tysburgh; how they carried our "star spangled banner " from 
the Wilderness to Eichmond, from Atlanta to the sea, from 
Donelson to Vicksburg; how they bore it up the heights of 
Mission Bidge, made luminous for all time by the lustre of 
their deeds of valor, and higher still, till from the lofty crest of 
Lookout Mountain it floated out above the clouds into the 
serene sunshine of heaven; all these, and more, are matters of 
history. To-day the flag of our country floats over a land un- 
divided, a Union saved, a government vindicated, a people free. 
As it waves above us in the calm atmosphere of peace, it seems 
transfigured by the mighty deeds that shed upon it unfading 
glory, and clothe it with an influence that shall one day loose 
the bands of despotism in other lands than ours, and open the 
gates of power throughout the world to the triumphant march 
of human freedom. 

Death is but an accident in the career of the brave. They 
die that the Nation may live; but while the Nation lives, they 
shall live also — live with their names inscribed on her roll of 
honor, live with their deeds recorded on the pages of her his- 
tory, live in the heroism inspired by their example, live in the 
blessings purchased by their death. 



I 



109 

But every soldier, who acted well his part, who faced the en- 
emy with unflinching firmness, who presented his body as a 
shield to protect his home, his kindred and his country, is 
justly entitled to the gratitude of his countrymen, whether he 
be standing among the living, or sleeping with the dead. They 
braved a common danger, they faced a common foe; but the 
one was taken, and the other left. They who sleep beneath 
these grassy mounds have been gathered by the reaper of the 
harvest into the Nation's garner, while yonder stand the sheaves 
that remain. 

Comrades! You who have proved your bravery on many 
battle-fields; you who have shed your blood to save your coun- 
try, and mingled your flesh with the dust of the fallen; you 
who stand with one foot among the living and the other among 
the dead; you who have laid down your arms never to take 
them up again; yours be the post of honor among men, so 
long as gratitude shall dwell in the hearts of your countrymen, 
and you wear the badge of honorable scars ! 

But the scenes that surround us, and the ceremonies that we 
have witnessed, remind me that we are gathered here, not to 
eulogize the living, but to pay such tribute as we may to the 
memory of the fallen. 

We stand within the confines of the city of the dead — that 
buried city, whose grass-grown roofs and marble spires rise to 
view to mark the resting places of the departed, whose streets 
are trod by forms unseen by mortals, and whose gates are 
closed day and night, because the dwellers therein, like Eome 
when the temple of Janus was shut, are forever at peace with 
the world. 

Yonder sleeps the dust of Whitman — first of the returning 
brave whose brows were crowned with the chaplet of immor- 
tality. Yonder lies all that is mortal of Eldee, laid low by a 
shaft of death on the field of Gettysburg. There rests the 
wasted form of Hunt, who met a cruel fate at the hands of an 
inhuman foe. Here, too, are the ashes of Morehouse and Pad- 
DLEFORD, of NicHOLS and Hinckley, friends in life and companions 



110 



in death; of Mosher, Baldwin, Lathrop, Hudson, Johnson, 
Calkins, Sisten, Yawger, and others, brave men all, whose 
graves fair hands, this day, have strewed with flowers bedewed 
with tears. Nor do we forget the lamented 



Agard, 

Alexander, 

Ballard, 

Beardsley, 

Beebe, 

Child, 

Church, 

CONLEY, 

Coryell, 

Cronk, 

Davenport, 

Davis, 

Douglas, 

DOWELL, 

Ellis, 
Elliott, 



Everett, 

Foster, 

Greene, 

Guest, 

Harrington, 

Haverland, 

HOGAN, 

Holmes, 

Hudson, 

Jefpers, 

Lafferty, 

Lathrop, 

IVIason, 

Meyer, 

Oatley, 

Patrick, 



Perry, 

Schleicher, 
Shattuck, 

Sister, 

SiVERD, 

Smalley, 

Smith, M., 

Smith, J. H., 

Stearns, 

Sweeny, 

Terrell, 

Thurston, 

Turner, 

Van Etter, 

"Wheeler, 

"Winter, 



And all that long list of honored names, for whom, as we call 
the muster roll of the nation's dead heroes, we cannot answer 
that they are " here." On distant battle-fields they lie, — in 
trenches piled with corpses, — in the " deep sea," — in unknown 
graves. Wherever their dust reposes, their names are cher- 
ished in the grateful recollections of their countrymen, and 
their memory is written in the hearts of those who mourn for 
them like Rachel weeping for her children, and will not be 
comforted because they are not. 

Peace be your portion, 0, departed spirits of the nation's 
dead ! God grant that in the hour of your mortal agony, when 
the fainting spirit let go its hold on the crumbling clay, you 
were permitted to drink of that fountain of living water, of 
which if a man drink he shall never thirst; and thus, clothed 
with the vigor of eternal youth, you pitched your white tents 
in the Grand Encampment of the blessed, forever beyond the 
reach of " the noise of battle- and the alarm of war." 

How quiet are the dwellings of our fallen comrades ! How 
calm is their long repose ! 

" They sleep their last sleep, | 

They have fought their last battle. 

No sound can awake them to glory again." 



Ill 

And yet, as we repeat their names; as the recollections with 
which they are associated throng upon us, how their well- 
remembered features come back to us again, and their familiar 
voices sound once more in our ears ! As we summon them at 
the roll-call of memory, the passionless dust of the sleepers 
stirs with awakening life; their graves open, and they come 
forth, clad not in the habiliments of the tomb, but in garments 
of living flesh. Ffom distant battle-fields they come with hur- 
rying feet, and take their accustomed places among us. The 
sea gives up its dead, and the dark shadow that rests on an 
unknown fate yields up the forms of the " missing." Once 
more they stand before their country's altar and swear alle- 
giance to her cause. Once more they mingle in the scenes of 
the camp, of dress-parade, of battalion drill, and march side 
by side with us to the field of bloody strife. Again the battle 
is set. Here stand the Union lines; yonder the ranks of rebel 
soldiery. Steadily the contending hosts feel their way toward 
each other beneath a canopy of smoke that thickens above them 
into a cloud lurid with lightning and dense with the leaden, 
iron hail of the storm. Now the rebels charge with fiendish yell 
on the ranks of the boys in blue, who meet the shock unmoved, 
and beat them back as the rock beats back the waves of the 
turbulent sea. Now the Union lines advance, and the foe are 
driven before that serried front of bristling bayonets as the 
chaff of the threshing-floor is driven before the whirlwind. 
While through all these shifting scenes, and filling the pauses 
between, the zip of rifle and musket-balls, the bursting of 
bombs, the shriek of careering shells, and the thunder of earth- 
shaking cannon, make strange music to unaccustomed ears, 
and, mingling their voices together in one sublime chorus, 
send forth on the wings of the wind the awful, mighty roar of 
battle. 

The scene changes. Cold on the " field of the dead " lie the 
thickly strewed bodies of the slain, their half-shut, sightless 
eyes full of unconscious wonder at the spirit's untimely flight; 
or, among the wounded, piled like stranded drifts on the shore 



112 

of the red sea of war; or, in comfortless hospitals, where they 
were consumed by the hot breath of fever, or poisoned by pes- 
tilence engendered by half -buried corpses; or, in horrid prison- 
pens, where they died of slow starvation and agonies unutter- 
able, with no friendly hand to smooth their hard earth-pillow, 
and lead their shelterless souls down their rugged path into 
the dark valley. As we recount these scenes of hardship, suf- 
fering, and death through which they passed, the very air 
above us seems damp with death-dew and murky with meas- 
ureless, brooding horrors. Though, while life remained, their 
hearts pined most of all, and with indescribable longing for a 
sight of the loved ones they were never to look upon vdth mor- 
tal vision, and of homes whither their feet were never more to 
return, yet, through every changing event their fortitude 
changed not, and lights up even the gloom of their untimely 
fate with star-like, imperishable glory. For this, let their 
graves be strewed with flowers on each returning year, so long 
as the tree of liberty which they watered with their blood, and 
which stretches out its sheltering arms in blessings on our 
country, shall grow in majesty, in greatness, and in the perfec- 
tion of beauty. 

How vast the multitude of the nation's dead ! exceeded in 
number in the history of the world only by the host Darius 
mustered on the plain of Arbela, or Xerxes marched across the 
Hellespont; and for which Michigan furnished an army-corps 
of twenty thousand men! Were this vast throng of the 
departed, this Grand Army of the Eepublic, to pass by day's 
marches along our streets, we could, for nearly six successive 
days, were our eyes but opened to behold the sight, see that 
long line of shadowy forms march on with steady steps and 
streaming banners to the bivouac of the dead. 

But these were only part of the price paid for the purchase 
and preservation of our liberties. What sorrow sits clothed in 
sackcloth in homes whose light has gone out forever ! where 
sons and brothers have been given up one by one to feed the 
bloody sacrifice of war; where husbands and fathers went forth 



113 

with the "unreturning brave," leaving wives desolate and 
children fatherless ! 

Here we pause. Before grief like this it becomes us to stand 
with silent lips and uncovered heads. "We leave the stricken 
ones to the tender mercy of Him who " sticketh closer than a 
brother, who is the Father of the fatherless and the widow's 
God,'' and the stay and the staff of those whose earthly hopes 
lie buried in the graves of their children. 

Thus we have a glimpse of the price that was paid for the 
purchase of our free institutions — a price that cannot be 
counted in gold, nor weighed in diamonds. How precious, 
then, should they be to us, the heirs of so priceless a heritage ! 
With what vigilance should we guard them from peril and cor- 
ruption ! How clean should be the hands that are permitted 
to handle the ark of the covenant of our liberties ! How great 
and pure should be the men to whose keeping we intrust " the 
peace and the good name and the happiness of a people whose 
salvation was cheap, even at the price that was paid ! " If there 
be money-changers found in our national temple — men who buy 
and sell the places of public trust like stocks on 'change, and 
the people like cattle in the market place, let them be driven 
out under the lash of public scorn, and their places filled by 
men worthy to minister at such an altar ! 

Americans! Be true to yourselves, to your country, and 
to God, and prove yourselves worthy of the exalted privi- 
leges vouchsafed to you as a people! By the signal blessings 
bestowed on this fair land of ours; by the terrible judgments 
poured out in wrath upon us for our national sins; from the 
sepulchres of b dried nations; from the wrecks that float on the 
dead sea of the past to mark the spot where great ships went 
down, freighted with treasures of peoples that were, but are 
not; in history, in His providence, and in His Sacred "Word, 
God speaks to you with a Trinity of voices, saying: "Right- 
eousness exalteth a nation ; " " But if they will not obey, I will 
utterly pluck up and destroy that nation, saith the Lord." 

Let us remember that to live a noble, spotless hfe, is better 
15 



114 

than to die a glorious death; that national sins are but the ag- 
gregate of individual sins; and that there is One who marks 
with sleepless eyes the deeds of men, and who will "bring 
every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether 
it be good or whether it be evil." 

" So live, that when thy summons comes to join 
The innumerable caravan, which moves 
To that mysterious realm, where each shall take 
His chamber in the silent halls of death, 
Thou go not, like the quarry-slave at night. 
Scourged to his dungeon, but sustained and soothed 
By an unfaltering trust ' ' 

in Jesus Christ — the Savior of men, and healed of every in- 
firmity, cleansed of every stain, and purified of every sin, — 
white-robed immortals shall strew flowers of fadeless beauty 
along your march to that city, where your glorified feet shall 
keep time to the song of the redeemed; that city, where " there 
shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall 
there be any more pain;" that city, which hath "no need of the 
sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it," for the Lord God 
Almighty is "the temple of it," "and the Lamb is the light 
thereof." 

The oration was followed by music from the band, another 
ode from the choir, and a closing prayer by Kev. J. Straub, 
after which the procession re-formed and returned to the city. 
The veteran "Boys in Blue" here gave three cheers for the 
band, three for the ladies, and three for the firemen of Lansing, 
and the large crowd dispersed. 

Those who had the affair in direction are to be congratulated 
upon its perfection, and the precision and good taste with which 
the exercises were conducted. 

On Sunday, May 30th, able and effective sermons were 
preached by Eev. Geo. H. Hickox, pastor of the First Baptist 
Church; by Rev. Stewart Sheldon, pastor of the Plymouth 
Congregational Church, and by Rev. J. Straub, pastor of the 
First Universalist Church. 

In the neighboring village of Okemos, suitable ceremonies 
were observed on the morning of the 29th, Elder A. Rolfe and 
Capt. T. F. Powers participating in the exercises. 



115 
LAPEER. 

The observances were held in this village the 29th of May, 
under the direction of Post Turrill, G. A. E., Maynard Butts, 
commanding. The procession formed at one o'clock p. m., at 
Post Headquarters, headed by the Cornet Band, marched to 
the Union School House, and escorted a delegation of young 
ladies to the M. E. Church, where an excellent address was 
delivered by Eev. A. E. Bartlett. At the close of the services at 
the church, the procession re-formed, and, headed by the clergy- 
men, and accompanied by the citizens, and the booming of a 
cannon firing minute guns, marched to the Cemetery, where 
the ceremoily of strewing the graves with flowers was duly 
performed by groups of young ladies, — one group for each 
grave — the comrades halting, opening their ranks at each 
grave for the group to pass through, perform the ceremony, 
and return to the rear. 

The procession was over one-fourth of a mile in length, and 
everything passed off in the most satisfactory manner to all. 



MARSHALL. 



The Decoration occurred in this city on Saturday, May 29th, 
with great success. The day was pleasant, and at a very early 
hour people from the country began to fill State street, and 
their number constantly increased until the moving of the pro- 
cession, which was organized at 10:30 a. m., and. passed up 
State street to the Cemetery, in the following order: 

1. Marshall Comet Band. 

2. Escort — Marshall Commander}'. 

3. Officers and Speaker. 

4. The Ladies' Committee on Decoration. 

5. The Common Council. 

6. The Fire Department. 

7. Blue Lodge and Royal Arch Masons of the city. 



116 

8. Masonic Delegations from Bellevue and Tekonsha. 

9. Peninsular Lodge L O. of O. F, 

10. German Benevolent Society. 

11. Citizens on foot and in carriages. 

The display was the. finest ever seen in the city. The civic 
societies generously responded to the invitation, — over three 
hundred Masons being in the procession. 

The programme at the Cemetery was as follows: 

1. Music — Dirge. 

2. Prayer, by the Cliaplain. 

3. Music. 

4. Oration, by Capt. J. C. Burrows. 

5. Music. 

6. Benediction, by Rev. Mr. St. John. 

During the Dirge, the graves of the Soldiers who sleep in 
the city Cemetery were decorated. The number of mounds 
thus the objects of patriotic regard, are twenty-six, as follows: 

INFANTEY REGIMENTS. 

Capt. W. S. Woodi-uff, 1st. 
Hiram Daily, 3d. 
Oliver Van Zandt, 4th. 
Henry Bostock, 6th. 
Seymour W. Davis, 6th. 
George Raymond, 6th. 
Alexander T. Craig, 6th. 
George Bostock, 10th. 
. Robert H. Paxton,*13th. 
Capt. H. F. Robmson, 20th. 
James McRoberts,* 20th. 
Cady Rowley, Engineers & Mechanics. 
• Daniel VanValin, " 
Capt. G. A. WoodruflF, 4th U. S. Artillery. 
Robert McRoberts,* 4th N. Y. Battery. 
Capt. John VanArman, Illinois Regiment. 
John Pendleton, Illinois Regiment. 
W. H. Hinkle, Illinois Regiment. 

* Burled Soutb, but have tombs in tbe Cemetery. 



117 

CAVALKY EEGIMEKTS. 

Daniel Murdock, 3d. 

A. H. Craig, 8tli. 

J. L. Sctunidt, 8th. 

Lieut. Edwin Savacool, 1st N. Y. 

Sidney Taft, unknown. 

Connor, unknown. 

In order to recall the services of those of our soldiery who 
died in the South and rest far from their Northern homes, a 
Cenotaph was erected, decked with evergreens and flags, on 
which were displayed the following inscriptions: 

" To the memory of our Patriot Dead, who sleep in distant fields." 
" Our land is glory's still, and theirs." 
" The path of duty is the way to glory. " 
" Bright be the place of their souls." 

*' On fame's eternal camping ground 

Their sUent tents are spread, 
And Glory guards with solemn round, 

The bivouac of the dead !" 

" The hopes, the fears, the blood, the tears 

That marked the bitter strife, . 
Are now all crowned with victory 

That saved the Nation's life." 

" Nor wreck, nor change, nor winter's blight, 

Nor time's remorseless doom. 
Shall mar one ray of Glory's light 

That gilds theu* sacred tomb." 

" The fittest place where Man can die, 
Is where he dies for Man. " 

The tasteful oration of Capt. J. C. Burrows was the subject 
of much commendation. Very properly brief, it guided the 
minds of the hearers very naturally to the gallant services of 
the patriotic dead, and by which they, though dead, still speak 
to us. We do well to guard their memory and lavish such 
floral gifts upon their graves, — let us guard their tombs with a 
jealous care, and prove ourselves proper heritors of their 
bravery and patriotism. A shaft should be reared whose sides 
should enumerate their deeds and preach of their sacrifices for 
Liberty. 



118 

Upon the conclusion of the address the procession re-organ- 
ized and proceeded to the Cathohc Cemetery, where are the 
graves of Dennis Cronin, of the 28th Infantry, and James 
Brady, of the Navy. Having laid flowers upon the graves of 
these brave Irishmen, the procession returned to the Court 
House and was dismissed. 



MONROE. 



The services occurred in this city on Sunday, May 30th. 
Nearly two thousand persons were present at the ceremo- 
nies in "Woodland Cemetery. The eulogy was delivered by 
Hon. Edwin "Willits, and a poem suitable to the occasion was 
recited by Hon. E. G. Morton. Taking into consideration the 
decidedly unpleasant state of the weather, the celebration may 
be set down as an entire success. 



NILES. 

List of soldiers' graves decorated in Silver Creek Cemetery 

James Pullman, Private, 6th Michigan Infantry. 

C. S. Taggard, " 11th " Cavab^^ 

Charles Richardson, Musician, 6th Michigan Infantry. 

Eli A. Griffin, Major, 19th Michigan Infantry. 

Don. Clark, Private, 25th Michigan Infantry. 

J. R. Cunningham, Private, 17th Michigan Infantrj'. 

Frank Earle, Private, 27th Michigan Infantry. 

A. L. Stites, Sergeant, 25th Michigan Infantry, 

Charles Woodruff, Adjutant, 25th Michigan Infantry. 

Cyrus Bacon, Surgeon, U. S. A. 

WiUiam Phillipps, Sergeant, 8th Michigan Cavalry. 

G. Stites, 25th Michigan Infantry. 

H. P. Glenn, Sergeant, 6th Michigan Infantiy. 

George A. Hunt, Private, 6th Michigan Infantry. 

William Casby, 23d Massachusetts Volunteers. 

Wm. Henderson, Regiment unknown. 

A. C. Ford, 

M. Piggin, " " 



119 

OLIVET. 

The ceremonies here took place on May 30th, under the di- 
rection of the citizen-soldiers of the place, there being no Post 
of the G. A. E. established here. Although very rainy, a large 
audience was in attendance at the church. Soldiers, and friends 
of deceased soldiers occupied the central pews. 

Two beautiful shields, draped in black, hung back of the 
desk, surrounded by the National colors. On one of these 
was inscribed, "Our Fallen Heroes;" on the other, "Frank 
Hosford, our Ministering Angel ! " in memory of the loved and 
patriotic daughter of "Father Hosford," and sister of our 
worthy superintendent, who died while caring for our soldiers 
on Lookout Mountain. The exercises, presided over by S. A. 
Andrus, were introduced by an appropriate voluntary by the 
choir, who also sang, during the exercises, the two hymns writ- 
ten by "William Oland Bourne. President Morrison read pas- 
sages of scripture, and offered prayer. Kev. H. 0. Ladd then 
delivered a very interesting address from the words, " So then, 
death worketh in us, but life in you." 2d Cor. 4: 12. The 
speaker proceeded to show in what ways the death of our 
heroes had given life to us as a nation, politically, socially, and 
morally. Instances of heroic death were narrated that brought 
back vividly the cost of our Nation's life. His tribute to the 
memory of Miss Hosford, and of the four soldiers who lie in 
our cemetery, was beautiful and touching. 

After the address the audience, preceded by the band, re- 
paired to the cemetery, over the entrance to which was an arch 
of evergreens encircling "In Memoriam." The soldiers and 
friends of the deceased then strewed the already decorated 
graves with flowers, an appropriate dirge by the band adding 
solemnity to the scene. All then joined in singing " Shall we 
gather at the River?" and, as the benediction was pronounced, 
felt that the day had not been desecrated in their quiet village 
by thus remembering our fallen heroes. 



120 

OVID. 

The ceremonies at this place were observed May 30th, 1869, 
under the direction of Post No. 13, E. Nelson Fitch, Sen. 
Vice and Acting Commander, and in which the citizens of Ovid 
and vicinity united, under the command of W. C. Bennett, 
Esq. After a sermon appropriate to the occasion, delivered 
in Metropolitan Hall by Kev. H. A. Eose, at three o'clock 
p. M. the procession, headed by the brass band, marched to 
the village cemetery, and the graves of our deceased comrades 
were strewn with flowers by a committee of children selected 
for the purpose. A short address was delivered by Acting 
Commander E. N. Fitch, and the benediction was pronounced 
by Rev. John Martin, when the procession returned to the 
village. This is the second observance of the day by Post 
No. 13. Though the day was wet and dreary, the crowded 
hall, and the long line of citizens marching in the procession, 
attested their sympathy with the occasion. 



PONTIAC. 



Owing to the unfavorable weather, the ceremonies were 
postponed from May 29th to June 4th, when the weather 
proved still more unfavorable. Notwithstanding the rain, a 
goodly number of citizens in the order designated in the pro- 
gramme, and headed by the Pontiac Silver Cornet Band, 
marched up Saginaw street, to Clinton Hall, where the further 
observances of the day were carried out. The Hall was 
nearly filled with a patriotic assemblage, who, in the spirit 
of meekness, did homage to the brave patriots who died in 
defense of our country's flag. 

The services were opened with prayer, by the Rev. W. H. 
McGififert, followed by the choir singing a memorial hymn. 

The oration, by Rev. W. H. Sheir, was able, and well re- 
ceived, and contained an eloquent eulogy on the departed 



121 

brave. He commenced by recalling to mind the great sacrifice 
that was offered upon the altar of our common country; the 
great struggle through which our nation has passed, costing 
the lives of 350,000 Union soldiers, and 250,000 more, who 
have been maimed and ruined. He said Michigan's contri- 
bution to the army was 90,747; 1,453 colored troops. Oak- 
land county sent of this number, 3,718. Our final triumph, 
the joy felt by the Union people throughout the country, their 
manifestations, and then the dark pall which rested upon us 
in the death of Abraham Lincoln, was most graphically 
depicted. He then read the roll of the dead: 

NAMES OF S0LDIEK8 AND SAILORS BUEIED IN OAK HILL CEMETERY, 

PONTIAC. 

Major General I. B. Richardson, U. S. V., mortally wounded at 
Antietam. 

Colonel Moses Wisner, 22d Mich. Infantry, died at Lexington, Ky. 

Captain T. C. Beardslee, 22dMich. Infantry, died at NashviEe, Tenn. 

Private Turner Tompkinson , 22d Mich. Infantry, died at Lexington, Ky. 

Color Sergeant T. Miller, 8th Mich. Infantry, died at home. 

Lieutenant Samuel Pearce, 5th Mich. Infantry, killed at the crossing 
of the North Anna, Va. 

Sergeant Beckwith Capron, 5th Mich. Infantry, died at home. 

Private Peter Dibeau, 5th Mich. Infantry, starved at Andersonville. 
Buried in Catholic Cemetery. 

Private John H. Carran, 5th Mich. Infantry, died at Camp Michigan, 
Virginia. 

Lieutenant Percy S. Leggett, 5th Mich. Cavahy, killed near the Rap- 
pahannoc. 

Lieutenant Richard Whitehead, 5th Mich. Cavalry, killed near Han- 
over Court House. 

Private George Wesson, 5th Mich. Infantry, died at home. 

Drum Major Daniels, 5th Mich. Infantry, died at home. 

Sergeant John Chamberlain, 10th Mich. Infantry, killed at Jones- 
borough, Ga. 

Private Lewis Eldred, died at home. 

Private Lamont Pratt, 8th Mich. Cavalry, "missing," supposed to 
have died at Andersonville. 

Private Jonas Ladd, 2d Mich. lufontry, died at home. 
IG 



122 

Lieutenant Joseph McConnell, 18tli U. S. Infantry, killed at Stone 
River. 

Q. M. Sergeant Eugene Nelson, died at Nashville. 

Sergeant Major WUUam Churchill, 7th Mich. Infantry, killed at 
Antietam. 

Captain William North, 5th Mich. Cavalry, kUled at Cedar Creek, Va. 

Private Arthur Pierce, 4th Mich. Infontry, died in Tennessee. 

Private Jonathan Ash, died.at home. 

Private Hamilton Davis, 15th Mich. Infantry, killed at Atlanta, Ga. 

Ppivate Joseph Davis, 14th Mich. Infantry, mortally woimded at Chat- 
tahooche River. 

William Shaw, died at home. 

James Stuart, 1st Colored Infantry, died at home. 

Edward Stickney, 5th Mich. Cavalry, kUled after his return home. 

He stated there were 27 soldiers, ranking from a Major Gen- 
eral down to a private, in onr cemetery, and out of tlaat number, 
he knew of but one who had nothing to mark his resting 
place, and that one was Maj. Gen. I. B. Kichardson (or as he 
was more familiarly known in the army, "Fighting Dick.") 
He proceeded to state that the General was a graduate of 
"West Point, and fought under Gen. Scott in all the important 
battles in the Mexican "War, and as soon as the rebellion broke 
out was one of the first to oflfer his services to his country. 
He fought bravely in the Army of the Potomac up to the time 
he was killed, but after he had gained such a national reputa- 
tion as a patriot and a fighting General, being one of the 
first made Major Generals. A stranger, desirous of visiting 
his grave, could not find it in our cemetery without the aid of 
a guide, as it remains up to this time wholly unmarked. 

When he told of the reverence our brave boys had for the 
old flag, how they toiled and suflfered by its inspirations, it 
brought tears to the eyes of many who best knew of the truth 
he was uttering. 

The address throughout was most touching, and left a lasting 
impression upon the hearer. 

The ceremonies were closed by singing by the choir, and the 
benediction by Rev. W. H. McGiffert. Arrangements had 
been so perfected, that, had the day been pleasant, the cere- 



123 

mony would have been exceedingly impressive. As it was, the 
procession, consisting of the Band, Knights Templar, Odd 
Fellows, Good Templars, in their various uniforms, the Steam 
Fire Engine and Hose Cart — the former drawn by horses, and 
the latter drawn by the members of the company, beautifully 
decorated with bouquets of flowers and draped with the Ameri- 
can flag — together with the M. E. Church Sabbath school, with 
banners, on which were inscribed the mottoes — " Honor to 
our Brave Defenders," " God is our Eefuge and Strength," 
presented a very creditable appearance. 



SCHOOLCRAFT. 

The exercises at Schoolcraft occurred on Sunday, May 30th. 
A procession was formed at half-past 2 p. m., in the following 
order, under the direction of the Marshal: 

Ist. Officer of the Day, J. T. Cobb, Esq. 

3d. Schoolcraft Silver Cornet Band. 

3d. Speaker and Chaplain. 

4th. Eight Misses, dressed in white, each bearing a wreath and vase of 
flowers, with -which to decorate the graves (eight in number) of our 
deceased soldiers. 

5th. Soldiers. 

6th. Citizens. 

The procession then marched, slowly and in good order, from 
the church to the cemetery, under the sweet, inspiring and ele- 
vating music of the band. Entering through the gate, under 
a flag gracefully festooned and ornamented with flowers, pro- 
ceeded to a stand erected in one corner of the grounds, from 
which the exercises took place, in the following order: 

1st. A fervent and appropriate prayer by the Chaplain, Rev. N. Rice. 
2d. Smging by the Glee Club. 
3d. Music by the Band. 

4th. Address and reading of the Ode prepared for the occasion, by 
Hon. E. L. Brown. 



124 

5th. Singing the Ode, to music arranged by Jonas Allen, Esq., with 
introduction and interlude by the Band. 

6th. Marching of the procession to each grave, preceded by the Band, 
while playing a solemn and impressive dirge, composed for the occasion 
by Prof DresskeU, and followed by the girls, with wreaths and flowers. 

Each one, as she approached a soldier's grave, placed a wreath 
at the head and a bouquet of flowers at the feet of the sleeping 
hero, and then falling in the rear of her sisters as they passed, 
and in this way making the whole circuit until all were decora- 
ted by their delicate hands. An arch of evergreens, erected at 
the head of each grave, with a cross of the same suspended in 
the center and decorated also with flowers, had been previously 
arranged by the good taste of the ladies of the committee. 
The benediction was then pronounced by Kev. N. Kice. All 
present appeared to realize the importance of the hour, and no 
other occasion could have induced so large an audience, and 
especially ladies, to remain during the exercises in an unceasing 
rain. 

The following is an extract from the address of Hon. E. L. 
Brown: 

Not Hke the nations of old do we celebrate the victory, with 
captors chained to the chariot wheels of the victor, in long 
and mournful procession, to meet the taunts and insults of an 
excited and exulting populace; but they who had scorned, de- 
fied, and assaulted the government of their country, restored to 
its kindly and protecting care, and to the homes and the rights 
they had forfeited; in the quiet pursuits of the arts of peace, in 
a community of rights, civil and political, for all under its ban- 
ner learn to respect its power, to honor its justice, and to love 
its beneficence, while we, the victors, as mourners rather, come 
with hearts at once sad and exultant, to crown with flowers and 
undying laurel the brows of those 

" "Whose wounds for us this long- wish 'd rest obtained, 
And peace and freedom for their countiy gained." 

There now sleep in this cemetery, over whose graves we come 



125 

to perform this sadly-pleasing ceremony, eight of those who 
went out from among us to do battle for their country's right 
and honor, slain in battle by the accidents and exposures of 
war, or miserably perished in consequence of the most barbar- 
ous treatment in captivity. Their names, regiments, date and 
manner of their death, are as follows: 

Daniel F. Miller, Sergeant Company L, 5th Mich. Cavalry, wounded 
in action, near Richmond, Va., May 11th, 1864. Died of a wound at 
Point Lookout, Md., June 15th, 1864 ; aged 24 years. 

Joseph Burson, Company L, 5th Michigan Cavalry, killed in action at 
Hawes' Shop, Va.,-May 28th, 1864 ; aged 22 years. 

Abner H. Burson, Company L, 5th Michigan Cavalry, captured at 
Trevillian Station, Va., June 11th, 1864; imprisoned at Andersonville ; 
liberated November 26th ; came home, and died from the effects of 
starvation, February 24th, 1865 ; aged 27 years. 

Lieut. Frank Corbyn, Company I, 3d Michigan Cavalry, wounded in 
a charge at Water Valley, Miss., December 18th, 1862 ; died of wounds 
at Lagrange, Tenn., January 11th, 1863 ; aged 26 years. 

Charles Adair, killed by the accidental discharge of a musket July 4, 
1863 ; aged 20 years. 

Geo. Thompson, Corporal Company D, 17th Michigan Infantry, died 
from disease contracted in the service, February 18, 1866 ; aged 24 years. 

Albert Chapman, Sergeant Company C, 6th Michigan Infantry; con- 
tracted disease in the service ; arrived home October 21st, 1863, and died 
October 25th, 1864. 

Albion Smith, of the 11th Michigan Infantiy, returned and died in this 
village. I have no further knowledge of the fticts concerning him. 

Besides these of our fellow citizens who fell in the great re- 
bellion, and are buried here, the following are the names of 
some of those who, from this immediate neighborhood, 'fol- 
lowed their country's flag, and fell gloriously, their bodies 
remaining in the far South, on the field of their glory: 

First Lieut. Charles Pursel, killed in action at Averysboro, North Car- 
olina, March 16th, 1865, in the very hour of victory, and almost the last 
shot of the rebellion; Mathew Smith, Henry Beals, John Kline, John 
Briggs, and "William Firncy. 

At so great a cost to every village and hamlet throughout all 
the Northern States was the honor, and authority, and unity of 
the Nation sustained and defended. Let the youth who mark 
the honors justly conferred upon the victims, learn to emulate 
their examples. 



126 
STURGIS. 

The soldiers of Sturgis performed the customary rites on 
Sunday, May 30th, under the direction of Gen. Wm. L. Stough- 
ton. After the ceremonies at the Cemetery, a large assembly 
met at Union Hall, where the following exercises were held: 

1. Singing a patriotic song by the ladies. 

2. Prayer by Rev. Mr. Temple. 

3. Singing by the young ladies. 

4. Oration by Mr. J. R. Davies. 

5. Benediction by Rev. Mr. Brown. » 



TECUMSEH. 



Sermons were preached on Memorial Day in the Universalist, 
Presbyterian, and Methodist churches, respectively, by Bev. J. 
M. H. Smith, Bev. W. J. Stoutenberg, and Bev. L. H. Dean. 
After morning services were over in the different churches, as 
the clouds seemed to be breaking away, the procession formed 
in line and proceeded to the Cemetery. 

Here the programme as published was carried out, although 
it began to rain soon after arriving at the ground. After the 
ceremonies at the stand, which were music by the Band, and 
an address by Mr. Boyd, the assembly, headed by the little 
girls with wreaths, and surviving soldiers bearing bouquets, 
repaired to the soldiers' graves to decorate them. We subjoin 
the record of those whose graves were decorated: 

Warren Estes, enlisted in Co. E, 18th Mich. Vol. Infantry. Died at 
Tecumseh, April 4, 1868, of disease contracted in the service. 

John Culbertson, Company I, 5th Mich. Vol. Infantry. Died at Te- 
cumseh, Dec. 3d, 1867, of disease contracted in the service. 

Faron Anderson, enUsted in Company B, 2d Mich. Vol. Infantry. 
Killed in rifle pits before Petersburg, Va., July 15th, 1864. 

John G. Gilbert, Company G, 25th Mich. Vol. Infantry. Died at 
Louisville,'.Ky. 

Alanson Conklmg, 2d Lieut. 7th Mich. Batteiy. Died at Vicksburg, 
Miss., Feb. 15th, 18G3. 



127 

Wm. A. McCaughen, Company I, 18th Mich. Vols. Died at Nash- 
viUe, Tenn.,Feb. 4, 1864. 

James R. Wheeler, Company E, 18th Mich. Vols. Died atTecumseh, 
of disease contracted in the service. 

Charles F. Doke, 1st Sergeant Co. B, 8th Mich. Cavalry. Died at 
Tecumseh, May 31, 1866. 

Morris Roberts, Lieut. Co. F, 26th Mich. Vols. Died in Hospital at 
Alexandria, Va., Sept. 14th, 1864. 

Henry W. Stout, Co. E, 18th Mich. Vols. Died at Tecumseh, of 
disease contracted in the service. 

Henry J. Ladd, Captain of Cavalry. 

Emory "Waller, Co. F, 26th Mich. Vols. Died in Hospital at Alexan- 
dria, Va., Sept. 3,1863. 

Martin V. B. Pennock, Corporal Co. G, 4th Mich. Infantry. Died 
Jan. 6, 1864. 

Samuel D. Southworth. 



THREE RIVERS. 

At 2 o'clock p. M., May 30tli, the comrades of Prutzman 
Post, No. 44, G. A. K., assembled at their headquarters in 
Prutzman's Hall. After listening to the reading of orders, 
they were formed and marched to Kelsey's Hall, preceded by 
the Three Eivers Cornet Band. The comrades wore white 
gloves, and had crape on the left arm; the three senior officers 
wore red crape across the right shoulder, with a knot of white 
and blue ribbon at the breast; the Post Surgeon and Assistant 
Surgeon General wore green sashes; the other officers wore 
blue scarfs, with knot of white and red ribbon; the other 
comrades, white scarfs with knot of red and blue ribbon. In 
the ranks were carried the battle-worn and tattered standards 
of the 11th Michigan Volunteers, donated by Gen. Stoughton 
for the occasion. The Post presented a fine appearance, their 
soldierly bearing and measured tread recalling the days, and 
awakening the spirit of 18G1. Kelsey's Hall, tastefully deco- 
rated with wreaths, crosses and bouquets, was crowded to its 



128 

utmost capacity by our citizens. At 3 p. m. the sound of the 
gavel called the assemblage to order, and all throughout the 
services the most profound silence prevailed, all seeming deeply 
impressed with the solemnity of the occasion. 

The exercises were opened by an ode, written for the occa- 
sion, sung by Mrs. Grace Snyder and Mr. Henry G. Gregory; 
this was followed by a prayer by Eev. W. H. Pierce; next came 
a dirge by the band; then the address by comrade W. H. H. 
"Wilcox. After the address, the audience joined in singing the 
hymn "My Country 'tis of thee — ;" prayer was then offered by 
Rev. J. A. Eanney, and benediction invoked by Rev. Mr. 
GoodaU. At the close of these services, the procession was 
re-formed and marched to Riverside Cemetery in the following 
order: 

Post Commander and Officer of the Day. 

Comet Band. 

Escort of Honor, consisting of twelve Comrades with Reversed Anns, 

commanded by the Post Adjutant. 

Post Chaplain and Clergy. 

Comrades of Post No. 44, bearing flowers. 

Soldiers and Sailors of the laie War. 

Citizens and others, on foot and in Carriages. 

As the command " March " was given, the rain ceased falling, 
and during the ceremonies at the cemetery the sun was shining, 
as if in token of the Divine approval of the tribute paid to the 
noble dead. 

Arriving at the cemetery, the procession found hundreds of 
citizens waiting there to unite in the decorations of the sol- 
diers' graves. The graves, ten in number, were marked by 
small flags, the national colors, surmounted by a streamer of 
crape. The comrades of the G. A. R. were marched around 
the cemetery, halting at each of the graves above mentioned, 
and strewing them with flowers. After all the graves had 
been thus decorated, the Post was formed upon the soldier's 
monumental lot, in a hollow square, in the center of which 
was erected a mound of flowers in honor of those dead com- 



129 

rades whose remains repose on southern soil. The ceremonies 
were concluded by the escort firing three volleys of musketry 
as a salute of honor. The Post then returned to their head- 
quarters and were dismissed. From sunrise until sunset the 
national colors were flying at half-mast from the Post Head- 
quarters and from the Reporter Office. In the morning, ser- 
mons appropriate to the day were delivered by the clergy of 
the village. 



WAYNE. 



Memorial Day was duly observed in this village, on Sunday, 
May 30th. At 11 o'clock a. m., a very able and patriotic address 
was made in the Methodist Church by Rev. J. W. Mcllwain, the 
chaplain of the day, and soon thereafter, although the rain 
came down in torrents nearly all day, a long procession of 
several hundred formed, under the marshalship of Capt. Al- 
bert Wilford. At the tolling of the church bells, the procession 
moved to the Cemetery where the exercises consisted of sing- 
ing, prayer, decorating the graves by returned soldiers, and 
hoisting the National flag at half-mast, to remain up till sunset. 

It is but just that a few facts in connection with this matter 
be made known to the public. One would suppose that if 
friends and comrades desired to visit the sacred graves of 
fallen heroes, even on Sunday, they could do so in peace, and 
those who did not want to could also stay away in peace. But 
no sooner were the notices out than there was violent opposi- 
tion to the whole movement, on the part of some who have 
more notoriety than wisdom or piety. One well known lawyer (?) 
here declared that he " would give $25 to decorate a rebel's 
grave, and would like to erect a monument to J. Wilkes Booth, 
as large as the depot wood-piles, composed of the shdls of 
Union soldiers." Following in the wake of such expressions 
17 



130 

was the action of the Common Council, who declined to be 
present on the occasion, and members of which, with others, 
took vigilant pains to circulate reports around the country that 
the chaplain and orator's name had been used without their con- 
sent, that the affair had been postponed, and endeavored to 
persuade the chaplain, singers and others to abandon the 
movement, as the leaders in the affair were only using them to 
give respectability to a training-day pow-wow. But notwith- 
standing all these obstacles, and the severe storm, a very large 
concourse gave, by their presence, their attestation of the 
occasion, while the ceremonies were very solemn, affecting and 
impressive. 

After the ceremonies at the Cemetery, all the war-worn 
veterans repaired to their place of rendezvous and ventilated 
their pent-up feelings by voting unanimously the following, for 
publication: 

Resolved, That our heart-felt thanks are due to all who have 
in any way assisted on this occasion, but that we can but 
express our deepest indignation at the course pursued by some 
members of the Common Council and others, in misrepresent- 
ing and embarrassing the movement, and that that body espec- 
ially merit the severest censure for their conduct in this matter. 



131 



irsr imemioiiiam:. 



BY COMRADE I. M. CRAVATH. 

As I muse upon the visions 

That before my thoughts arise, 
While I sit beside my tent-door 

In the twUight of the skies, 
Darkness comes with solemn footsteps, 

Like the Patriarch at even, 
And the angels build their camp-fires 

Round the battlements of heaven. 

Gloomy shadows flit about me, 

And my soul is overcast ; 
But the forms of loved ones beckon 

From the threshold of the past, 
And their deeds of kindness brighten 

All my thoughts with holy light, 
Like the stars when sadly smiling 

Through the cloudy wings of night. 

Once again my mother greets me — 

Her glad welcome in her eye — 
And my father's hand is pressing 

Mine as in the days gone by. 
And I hear a gentle sister 

Singing through the summer long, — 
She has gone with them to heaven, 

But she left on earth the son?. 



132 

Now within the dusky portal 

Come my comrades tried and true, 
With the old, familiar footsteps, 

And the tones that once I knew ; 
Some with forms of stately beauty, — 

Some with eyes of heavenly blue, 
And with voices like the angels' 

Song of midnight breaking through. 

I recall the scene of conflict. 

With its " garments rolled in blood, "^ 
And its line of daring heroes 

Where the front of battle stood, 
And I see the dead and dying 

In my dreamings, as the years 
Roll their mingling memories o'er me, 

Strangely blending smiles with tears.. 



APPENDIX. 



HUDSON. 



The decoration ceremonies took place at the time appointed. 
The business j)laces were all closedj and the exercises of the 
day participated in by business men generally. The Masonic 
and Odd Fellows' organizations attended and assisted the sol- 
diers in decorating the graves. The procession, including 
teams, was very large. 

The exercises at the grove, in the new Cemetery, were: 
Music by the Band; Prayer by Pres't Fairfield, of Hillsdale; 
Singing, by Misses Childs, Williams, and Messrs. Spencer, 
Smart, Power and Daniels — the music was very fine. Orations 
were delivered by Messrs. C. P. Brown and James Laird; 
after which, Pres't Fairfield made a speech some few minutes 
in length. Then followed the decoration of the graves of 

J. C. Perkins, 15tli Micliigan Infantry. 
Buel Cliipman, 1st U. S Engineers. 
Grant Durling, HofMan's (Oliio) Battery. 
Ira M. Bean, 59th Illinois Infantry. 

After this, the procession moved to the old Ceinetery, formed 
in hollow squares around the grave and monument of Capt. 
Samuel DeGolyer, while Chaplain Fairfield ofi'ered prayer. 
The monument of Capt. DeGolyer was tenderly and beauti- 
fully decorated. It was wrapped with the battle-flag presented 
him when he first entered the service, and carried us back over 
the eventful nine years to the time when we heard him thank 
the assembled people, and promise them that the flag should 
never be disgraced. He verified his word with his blood. His 



134 

history is the history of the score of others that sleep around 
him. But we fear to hnger upon a subject as touching as it is 
terrible. The graves decorated here were: 

Capt. DeGolyer, Capt. "Wm. H. Johnson, J. A. Hawkins, 1st Miclii- 
gan Battery. 

W. H. Thompson, Berdan's S. S. 

J. G. Piper, 1st Michigan Infantry. 

George O. Lawson, 4th Michigan Infantry. 

George P. Hume, Kansas regiment. 

W. A. Jones, New York regiment. 

Wm. Davidson, James Thompson, Charles Wheeler, Justin McCoy^ 
and W. H. Tolford, all of the 4th Michigan Infantry. 

One of the saddest features of the day was the decoration 
of a spot of ground for Lieut. S. B. Preston, 4th Michigan. 

Before the procession left the new Cemetery, it halted before 
and decorated the portion of empty ground set apart for a 
soldiers' monument. 



DETROIT. 

LIST OF SOLDIERS' GRAVES DECORATED, MAY, 1869. 

Francis Anderson, Private, Co. D, 5th Infantry. 
Wm. S. Whipple, Lieut. Colonel, 22d Infantry. 
Cornelius Christie, Private, 18th Infantry. 
Charles Mackenzie, Captain, 4th Cavalry. 

Merrit, Captain, Co. H, 24th Infantry. 

S. Jones Phillips, U. S. Navy. 

James Moore, Private, 23d 111. Infantry. 

Henry Crane, Lieutenant, 3d Michigan Cavalry. 

Thomas BaUard, Captain, 1st " " 

Wellington Willets, " 7th 

Horace S. Sheldon, A. Q. M. 1st " " 

Henry W. Hall, Major, 24th Michigan Infantry. 

Charles J. Snyder, Captain, 1st Cavalry. 

William Noble, Lieutenant, 2d Infantry. 

D wight Stebbins, Volunteer Surgeon. 

John D. Fairbanks, Major, 5th Infantry. 

Wm. K. Co3'l, Major, 9th Iowa lufontry. 



135 



Henry S. Hulbert, Captain. 

Thomas Bloom, Drum Major, 1st Infantrj'. 

Samuel Henry Eells, Assistant Surgeon, 12th Infantry. 

J. D. Hall, Colonel, Illinois regiment. 

Charles Skirrin, 4th Infantry. 

Walter Stevenson, Captain, 5th Cavalry. 

B. Thorpe, Lieutenant. 

Louis Haidt, Lieutenant, 1st Battery. 

Edward T. Owen, Lieutenant, 4th Cavalry. ' 

E.Griffith Owen, A. Q. M., 1st Infantry. 

John Mills, Private. 

George Peabody, Private, Co. A, 51st Illinois Infantry. 

S. E. Posey, Sergeant. 

William Speed, Captain, 24th Infantry. 

Frank Heig, Private, Co. D, 24th Infantry. 

Irwin C. Darling, Private, 1st Wisconsia Cavalry. 

Stephen B. Darling, Corporal, 6th Mich. " 

Henry Coville, Private, 9th Mich. Cavalry. 

William Wright " 9th Michigan Infantry, 

Burrill, Lieutenant 24th " " 

Ed. Wilson, Private, 24th 

Chas. Crarey, " 

H. Adams, Serg't, 

F. A. Buhl, Captain, 1st Cavalry. 

Rob't Simeon, Private 24th Infantry. 

Phillips, Musician, 24th Infantry. 

Wm. Hutchinson, Major, " ". 

Henry Hutchinson, Captain, 8th " 
Thomas Williams, Brig. General, U. S. A. 

Parsons, Private, 24th Infimtry. 

Broadhead, Colonel, 1st Cavalry. 

Wm. Brevoort, Captain, 1st " 

Wm. Elliott, 

Robert EUiott, Lieut. Col., 16th Infantry. 

Nagle. 

Toby Sherlock, Captain. 

McLaughlin. 

McCricket. 

Johnston. 

Roche. 

J. Buckley. 

M. Duran. 

Seventy-three graves in Soldiers' Lot, names unknown. 



136 

OVID. 

LIST OF SOLDIERS' GRAVES IN THE CEMETERY 

Timothy Brown, 14th Michigan Infantry. 
Talman Beardsley, 10th Mich. Cavahy. 
John Birely, 14th Ohio Infantry. 
Evan Davis, 1st Michigan Cavalry. 
Samuel Garrison, 14th Michigan Infantry. 
George Fulkerson, 148th N. Y. Infantry. 
Samuel Lane, 5th Michigan Infantry. 
George Meddaugh, 4th Michigan Cavaby. 
Anson L. Tyler, V. R. C. 



§isl of Bifittts 



The followiBg Officers -were elected by the National Encampment 
assembled at Cmcinnati, O., May 13, 1869 : 

Comrade John A. Logak, of lUmois, Commander-m-Chief. 

" Lucius FAniCHiLD, of Wisconsm, Senior Vice Commander- 
ua-Chief. 

" Joseph R. Hawley, of Connecticut, Jmiior Vice Com- 
mander-in-Chief. 

" S. P. Wyle Mitchell, of Pennsylvania, Sm-geon General. 

*' Rev. A. H. Quint, of Massachusetts, Chaplain-General. 

COUNCIL OF ADMINISTBATION. 

Comrades J. F. Miller, of California ; Frank Nolen, of Delaware ; 
R. M. Hough, of Illinois ; "W. W. Dudley, of Indiana ; Joseph B. 
Leak, of Iowa ; Wai. Boden, of Kentucky ; Andrew W. Denison, of 
Maryland ; J. Waldo Denny, of Massachusetts ; Oliver L. Spauld- 
iNG, of Michigan; Frank E. Daggett, of Minnesota; G. Harry 
Stone, of Missouri; D. Carter, of New Hampshire; James F. Rus- 
LiNG, of New Jersey; R. A. Bachia, of New York; Geo. L. Beale, 
of Maine ; Harry G. Armstrong, of Ohio ; O. C. Bosbyshell, of 
Pennsylvania ; Samuel A. Duncan, of Washington ; James Shaw, Jr., 
of Rhode Island ; R. King Scott, of S'outh Carolina ; G. G. Minor, of 
Tennessee; E. J. Davis, of Texas; Geo. J. Stannard, of Vermont; 
Charles W. Wickersham, of West Virginia ; Geo. P. Goodwin, of 
Wisconsin. 

off;;cers appointed by the commander-in-chief. 

Comrade William T. Collins, Adjutant-General. 
" F. A. Starring, Inspector-General. 
" N. P. Chipman, Judge-Advocate-General. 
" Timothy Lubey, Quartermaster-General. 
" Hanson E. Wea\'er, Aide-de-Camp. 
IS 



138 

DEPARTMENT ROSTER. 

Comrade William Humphkey, of Lansing, Commander. 

" Geo. M. Buck, of Kalamazoo, Senior Vice Commander. 

" John K. Grahaji, of Buchanan, Junior Vice Commander, 

" H. H. Daniels, of Lansing, Ass't Adj't General. 

" A. O. Simons, of Lansing, Ass't Q. M. Gen. 

" Geo. B. Flemming, of Charlotte, Inspector. 

" A. B. Ranney, of Three Rivers, Medical Director. 

" L. O. Sjhth, of Charlotte, Chaplain. 

council of administration. 

Comrades S. H. Row, of Lansing ; J. N. McFarlan, of St. Johns ; 
C. J. DiCKERSON, of Hillsdale ; "Wm. P. Innis, of Grand Rapids ; F. W. 
Swift, of Detroit. 

AID-DE-CAMPS. 

S. B. Smith, Adiian ; Chas. H. Hodskin, Battle Creek. 



ROSTER OF POSTS. 



Post No. 2, Battle Creek. 

Commander, E. A. Preston. 



S. V. C, Wm. Flagg. 
J. V. C, V. Wattles. 
Adjutant, E. T. Freeman. 
Quartermaster, J. F. Raynes. 



Surgeon, S. S. French. 
Chaplain, Job Moxom. 
Serg't Major, W. R. Horton. 
Q. M. Serg't, Jas. O. Riley. 



Post No. 4, St. Jobns. 

Commander, J. M. Carter. 



Post No. 5, Kalamazoo. 

Commander, Geo. M. Buck. 



S. V. C, Darius Ackerly. 
J. V. C, Alfred Brooks. 
Adj't, Sidney Cook. 
Q. M.,C. W. Stone. 



Surg., Amos D. Allen. 
Chaplain, J. H. Wells. 
Serg't Major, J. J. Drake. 
Q. M. Serg't, Frank Whipple. 



139 



Post No. 8, Duplaln. 

Commander, Ezra Brown. 



S. V. C, Dennis Birmingham. 
J. V. C, Joseph Sever. 
Adjutant, Edward T. Weale. 
Quartermaster, O. W. Birmingham, 



Surgeon, James Gr. Wilcox. 
Chaplain, S. R. Dewstoe. 
Serg't Maj., J. M. Birmingham. 
Q. M. Serg't, Fred. Carpenter. 



Woodbury Post, No. 12, Adrian. 

Commander, J. H. Fee. 



S.V.C, R.H.Baker. 
*J. V. C, J. D. Hinckley. 
Adj., H. A. CoLviN. 
Q. M., W. Stearns. 



Surg., R. T. IVIead. 
Chaplain, W. H. Kimball. 
Serg't Maj., G. P. Roberts. 
Q. M. Serg't, C. "W. Decker. 



Post No. 13, Ovid. 

Commander, G. A. Winans. 



S. v. C, L. T. Southworth. 
J. V. C. , David Armstrong. 
Adj 't, Charles Cowan. 



Q. M., John Q. Patterson. 
Chaplain, J. C. Darragh. 



Post No. 14, Hudson. 

Commander, William B. Thompson. 



S. V. C.,C. P. Brown. 
J. V. C, J. C. Hanford. 
Adj't, Harlow McCary. 
Q. M., J. J. Carr. 



Surgeon, L. C. French. 
Chaplain, ED. M. Hulburd. 

Serg't Major, 

Q. M. Serg't, M. L. Parkman. 



Post No. 16, Sturgls. 

Commander, Edmond S. Amidon. 



S. V. C, Nelson I. Packard. 
J. V. C.,H. L.Anthony. 
Adjt.jM. D. Kirk. 
Q. M.,F. H. Church. 



Surgeon, - 

Chaplain, 

Serg't Maj., Andrew J. Lamb. 
Q. M. Serg't, Chas. E. Landon. 



140 



Ed. Hnrson Post, No. IS, Berrien Springs. 

Commander, Chakles E. Howe. 



S. V. C, Henry G. Potter. 
J. V. C, James H. Davidson. 
Adjt., Frank N. Dix. 
<J. M., Daniel G. W. Gangler. 



Surgeon, Joseph C. Wicoff. 
Chaplain, David K. Hubbard. 
Serg't Maj., Fred. McOmber. 
Q. M. Serg't, James N. Paricer. 



Post No. 19, Ionia. 

Commander, Benjamin R. Covert. 



S. V. C, James V. Mickle. 
J. V. C, David A. Jewell. 

Adj't, WlLLIAil MiLLIGAN. 

Q. M., John W. Banks. 



Sm-geon, 

Chaplain, Heman Lowe. 

Serg't Maj., A. B. Simmons. 

Q. M. Serg't, Isaac Van Doran. 



Post No. 21, Cliarlotte. 

Commander, J. H. Bolton. 



S. V. C, Geo. Foreman. 
J. V. C, Peter R. Johnson. 

Adj't, L. E. DWINNELL. 

Q. M., L. O. Smith. 



Chaplain, Solomon Rice. 

Surgeon, 

Serg't Major, 

Q. M. Serg't, 



liiimbard Post, No. 23, Hillsdale. 

Commander, C. J. Dickerson. 



S. V. C.,R. W. RicABT. 
J. V. C, L. R. Penfield. 
Adj't, L. E. Gridlet. 



Q. M., Wm. Taylor. 
Surgeon, A. F. Whelan. 



Greene Post, No. 28, Lansing. 

Commander, "William Humphrey. 
S. V. C.,E. H. Porter. 



J. V. C.,S. H. Row. 
Adj't, J. W.King. 
Q. M.,C.L. Knight. 



Surgeon, B. B. Baker. 
Chaplain, G. M. Hasty. 
Serg't Maj., V. W. Bruce. 
Q. M. Serg't, F. M. Howe 



141 



Tarrell Post, No. 30, liapeer. 

Commander, Matnard Butts. 



S. V. C, Wm. M. SmTH. 
J. V. C, Stewart Gorton. 
Adj't, Derastus Holmes. 
Q. M., Thomas ]VL\in. 



Surgeon, Alfred Nash. 
Serg't Maj., Peter Bassett. 
Q. M. Serg't, Dexter Adams, 



Post No. 31, Ed^vardsbnrglt. 

Commander, J. B. Sweetland. 



S. V. C, Wm. W. Sweetl-^nd. 
J. V. C.J.W.ArCtO. 
Adj't, J. Rajtoolph. 



Q. M.,M. Thomas. 
Serg't Maj., C. Morgan. 
Q. M. Serg't, D. Watson. 



Post No. 32, Hastings. 

Commander, Norman Bailey. 



S, V. C, Traverse Phillips. 
J. V. C.,L. A. Clark. 
Adj't, Wm. Mayford. 



Q. M., Fred. IVIaine. 
Sm-g. , Isaac W. Brooman. 
Chaplain, Wm. Jones. 



Van Pelt Post, No. 34, Coldwater. 



Commander, A. T. Lamphere. 



S. V. C, Mortimer Mansfield. 
J. V. C, C.A.Edmonds. 
Adj't, L. A. Dillingham. 
Q. M., Andrew Grosse. 



Surg., D. C. Powers. 
Chaplain, W. C. Porter. 
Serg't, Major, Van Dunham. 
Q. M. Sergt, D. B. Purinton. 



Post No. 39, Fairfield. 

Commander, William E. Jordan. 



S. V. C, Ransom Walker. 

J. V. C, A. J. HOGGES. 

Adj't, Alf. Cheney, 



Q. M., Geo. Young. 

Q. M. Serg't, S. F. IVIayson. 



142 



lievris Beagle Post, No. 42, Bllssfield. 

Commander, William F. Rogers. 



S. v. C, Jabez Stearns. 
J. V. C.,L. D. BooKE. 
Adj't, G; B. Smith. 



Q. M., Martin Rehklew. 
Serg't Maj., A. D. Hawes. 
Q. M. Serg't, A. C. Boone. 



S.Y. C.,W. I. HiNEs. 
J. V. C, A. B.Evans. 
Adj't, Wm. H. Davis. 
Q. M., Jnc. Graham. 



Slater Post, No. 43. 

Commander, Benjamin E. Binns. 

Surg., Theo. F. C. Dodd. 



Chaplain, F. W. Holmes. 
Serg't Major, G. H. Watson. 
Q. M. Serg't, Jno. S. Curtis. 



Prutzman Post, No. 44, Tliree Rivers. 

Commander, R. R. Pealer. 

Sm'geon, Isaac Kimball. 
Chaplain, John S. Dunham. 
Serg't Maj., B. Walters. 
Q. M. Serg't, G. S. Bauji. 



S. V. C.,W.n. H.Wilcox. 
J. V. C.,P. Bingham. 
Adj't, Jeff. P. McKay. 
Q. M., A. W. Snyder. 



Eaton Post, No. 45, Otsego. 

Commander, Milton Chase. 



S.V.C, N.Gilbert. 
J. V. C, Sidney Rouse. 
Adj't, H. F. Guest. 
Q. M., Wm. a. Allen. 



Sm-geon, S. C. Webster. 
Chaplain, Chas. D. Prentiss. 
Serg't Maj., Wm. Palmer. 
Q. M. Serg't, L. A. Leighton. 



Dick Rlcbardson Post, No. 46, Detroit. 

Commander, Wm. A. Throop. 



S. V. C, A. M. Edwards. 

J. V. C, W. R. DODSLEY. 

Adj't, G. W. LaPointe. 
Q. M., G. L. Nadolleck. 



Surg.,D. V.Bell, Jr. 
Chaplain, F. W. Swift. 
Serg't Maj., J. Hardy. 
Q. M. Serg't, V. B. Bell. 



143 

Post No. 47) Tecumseb. 



Commander, L. Saviers. 



S. V. C, A. Pelham. 
J. V. C, Chas. Bid well. 
Adj't, A. W. Slayton. 
Q. M.,E. H. HoAG. 



Chaplain, E. S. Ormsby. 

Serg't Major, Emlay. 

Q. M., Serg't, H. B. Strickland. 



TTyker Fofst, No. 48, Owosso. 

Commander, A. M. Beebe. 



S. V.'C.,E. Gould. 
J. V. C.,H. H.Carson. 

Adj't, C. OSBURN. 



Q. M., A. A. Bartlett. 
Surgeon, H. L, Chipman. 



Post No. 49) Grand Rapids. 

Commander, W. P. Innes. 



S. V. C.,H. N. MooRE. 
J. V. C, VanE. Young. 

Adj't, J. D. DiLLENBACK. 

Q. M., F. J. Fairbrass. 



Surgeon, C. "W. Eaton. 
Chaplain, N. A. Reed, Jr. 
Serg't Maj., W. G. Beckwith. 
Q. M. Serg't, D. McNaughton. 



WTLil.IATa. P. IZfflffIS, 

fceral f an^ ma ^mmm %^tni, 



Attends to the Purcliase and Sale of 

Farms, Wild Lands, Mills, Mill Sites, Town Lots, 

CITY PROPEBTY, BONDS & MORTGAGES. 

Special Attention given to the Investigation of Tax Titles, Collection of 
Rents, Payment of Taxes, and Conveyancing. 



OFFICE IN RATHBUN HOUSE BLOCK. 

BRISBIIVT & GOIffEILiY^ 

( 1^3 Washington Avenue,) 
Lansing-, - - - - IVIicliig-an, 

DEALERS IN 

Drugs, Chemicals, Patent ledicines, 

GROCERIES, TRUSSES 

— AND — 

S H O TJ L I> E I^ BI^ACES. 



WHITE LEAD AND ZINCS BY THE CASE! 

Raiu and Boiled Linseed Oils, and Carbon Oil 
by the Barrel. 

G. S. BRIISIJIJV. IT. F. CONELY. 



DANIEL W BUCK, 

( Washington Avenue, ) 



Lansing^ 




an. 



WHOLESALE & RETAIL DEALER 



In all kinds of 



CABINET V\^AREI 



CT3L J^X'RjS 



lIKfillow GabB^ 



and Coffins! 



THE LARGEST STOCK OF 



3P'"CT3F«.1WI"3E""0"X^3E 



It^* ON HAKD, -^ 



Ever ojflered in Central IVJicliigan ! 



PIISRGIS & PARMALGE^ 

Lansing, - - _ _ - » 3Iicliigaii. 



Sole Agents for the States of Micliigan, Ohio and Indiana, for 

Ruttan's Patent System of Ventilation ! 

Combined luith 

HAWLEY'S PATENT TUBULAR AIR WARMER, 



Ruttan's System of Ventilating Buildings is the most Simple 
and Pekfect ever invented, consisting of openings in the Base- 
Boards, communicating with the C himn ey, and 
famishing in new buildings, without 
extra expense, a 

Perfect System of Ventilation^ 

Constantly Kemoving the Cold and Impure Atmosphere of Kooms. 

HAWLEY'S AIR WARMER 

Passes the Air to be used for Warming Rooms, through a 

succession of Tubes similar to those used in Steam Boilers, 

by which process the air is heated more rapidly, 

and at a Less Expense of Fuel, than by any 

other known. This combined system of 

Heating and Ventilation, 
is admirably adapted to 

CHURCHES, SCHOOL-HOUSES. 

AND ALL 

Public Buildings and Private Dwellings, 

Supplying Pure, Wajin Air in the Winter, and Fresh 
Cool Air in Summer. 

Entire Satisfaction Guaranteed in all cases where the principles of this 
System are f fully adopted, and a sailing of thrce-fmcrUis of sickness, and of 
from one-third to one-half the expense of heating. 

Amplest References and Recommendations Given. 
A. HI. PIERCE, M. D. C. B. PARMALEE. 



BAKKR ^ IMCKRSOLiLi^ 

Lansiiia'- - - - l^Xicliiaxm. 



MANUFACTURERS OP 



irass L^astings, 

CIRCULAR SAW MILLS, 

steam: EWGJ-IIVES, 

Kiittaii's Warming and Ventilating Furnaces, 

STONE'S PATENT SULKEY CULTIVATORS, 

Gidst Mill Fivrnishings, Sfc. 



Also — Agents for and Dealers in 

Massey's Combined Grain and Middling Feeder, 
Snnutter and Separator. 

STILWELL'S PATENT HEATER AND LIME CATCHER, 

Being a thorough preventive against incrustation in Steam 

Boilers and Pipes, insuring great saving in Fuel 

and Durability of Boilers. Also, 

Boot's Sectional Wrought Iron Safety Boiler; also, C. ^ 

J. Cooper's Steam Engines, Saw Mills, ^c; also, 

Turbine Water Wheels, Belting, Sec. 

^11 at Lo^west Casli Pi'icesI 

m. S. BAKER. ALEX. INGERSOLL. 

Comer of Capitol Ave. and Washtenaw St., west of Lansing House. 



JKT, S. GEORaB & GO.^ 



DO ALIi KINDS OF 



Book, Job, and Fancy Printing; 

BOOK BINDING & RULING. 



Mialcc to Order, 



For Business Men and Public Officers. 



KEEP FOR SAIiE, 

law Blanks and Justice Dockets. 



PUBLISH EVERT THURSDAY, 

"THE LANSING STATE REPUBLICAN," 

J. First Class J^eivspaper, and 

The Best Advertising IVIedium in Central IVIichigan. 



Michigan Ave., nearly opposite State Offlcos. j WAiV^JiVMf WlvHf 



E. B. MILLAR & CO., 

{^139 Washington Avenue,) 

LAivsiivo, m:ichioa]v. 



'Wholesale and Retail 

DEALERS IN 

@B.OCE[B.IES! 



CONSTANTLY IN STORE, A 



Large Assortment of Goods 

Belonging to the line, which we offer to the 
Trade, or Consumers, 



^T VER^Y^ LOTV" FIGMJI^^ESI 



Especially would we Iiiyite Attention to our 

LARCE STOCK OF 



Embracing all the Different Varieties, at a very 

§iiiall Advance Over Cost of Importation. 






G 



^' 



.^^ 



iV?.MV 



OF THE / 



k 



^PC 



^/c> 



MEMOKIAL DAY. 



MAY, 1869 



BY AUTHORITY. 



LANSING : 

W. S. OEOKGK & CO., STEAM BOOK AND .lOH I'KINTEKS. 

1869. 







m 



TO THE PUBLIC. 



The Grand Army of the Republic has been much abused in 
certain quarters, being stigmatized as a "Northern Ku-khix " organ- 
ization, and with other opprobrious epithets. 

j[[^"All wlio desire, can obtain accurate information concerning 
this order, by the perusal of this work. 

It^^This book is of special importance to soldiers, and tiie friends 
of soldiers, containing information vt.luable to them. 

Agents Wanted. 

Special Inducements offered to crippled soldiers, and the widows 
and orphans of deceased soldiers, to become agents for tiie sale of this 
work. 

PBICE, 50 CEXTS. 

Liberal discount made to Agents. 

Copy sent by mail, postage paid, on receipt of price. 

Address all orders and communications to 

JAMES W. KING, 

Lansing, Mich. 



CONTINENTAL LIPE INSURANCE CO, 




OF 



— ♦«>- 

OFFICEI^S : 

JOHN S. RICE, President. 

SAMUEL E. ELMORE, Secretary. 

P M HASTINGS, M. D., Medical Examiner. 



A £!ei?rr'« ¥ * IV 1 1 Sf»*i ~ « ■ " $1,1945215 2» 

TOtT^' LllBIiriTIES, (including Cnpi.al Stock losse. not 

(ine, and a ^um i-ufflcient to reinsure all outs anding I'olicics, 996,68b 4b 



NET DIVISIBL.E SURPL.US, 



$197,528 79 



Dividend Jan. 1,1869, 50 percent, of Premiums paid. 

Thi« D vidend is available on all Policies entitled to Dividends, 
during the years 1869 and 1870. 



STOCK AND MUTUAL. 

Combining all the advantages of a Stock and Mutual Company, without the objections of 

^' Dividends to Stockho'ders limited bv charter ! Policies are non-forfeitable by their terms ' 
All kind^' of Non Forfeiting Lite and Endowment Policies issued. Premiums as 1 w as any 

other flret class Company. Profits apron ioned upon the p rcentage plan. ^„„„^„^ 

The ratio of Assets to I^iabllitles (excluding Capital) never exceeded 

*'^re^n"L^s?™y^btpaVafu?fasr™wh^rcase dividends will be returned in cash ; or it^ 
preferred a Ss given for one-lalt the premium, which can remain until the ^«tlemen of 
Kepolicv or until cancecd by dividends, thus enabling the assured to procure dmble the 
amoun of insurance that car, be procured for the money paid m all ca-h companies. 

The Company does not indulge in any hazardous cx,,erimenis, or illusTual fancy tab es to 
en rap the unwarv but relies upon sound principles of insurance, and guaranteed equity and 
secS to policy holders, as the basis of popularity. Us rapidly increasing business bears 
testimony of the app eciation b^he^P^b^ic^of Us^.rue^c^i^e o^-Uo„^^^^^ ^^^ ^^^^^ 

Office KGoms at Lansing, Mich. 
jggrlnstructioDS given and liberal arrangements made with those desiring to become Agents. 



RBAL ESTATE^ ACE WCY. 

.TOTVES & PORTER, 

General dealers in Real Estate hi all parts of Michigan. 



TOTM. A. THROOP d^ GO.^ 



WHOLESALE AND RETAIL 



STATIONERS 



BLAIK BOOK lAUlJEACTlJIlERS, 

PITBLJSHERS OF 

And Dealers in Law Books and Law Blanks, 

BOOK AND JOB BRIISTTERS. 



WM. A. THROOP, 
GOTE PORTEK. 



90 WOODWARD AVENUE, 

DETROIT, MICH 

CASH HOUSE. 



FIELD, LEITEK & CO., 

state and Waslihif/ton Strerts, 

CHICAGO, : : : ILLITVOIS, 

Importers and Dealers in Foreign and 



Our Prices will always be found as Low as made 
by any House in the United States. 

Orders Receive Prompt and Careful Attention. 

141 



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